At Queen’s Tea, attendees enjoy bright sunshine and intricate costumes inspired by festivals from across the world

Published 5:40 am Sunday, October 20, 2024

Community members and out-of-town guests had a chance to see elaborate costumes and meet royalty Saturday afternoon during the Queen’s Tea of the 91st Texas Rose Festival.

The tea is held each year in the Tyler Rose Garden following the morning Rose Parade as part of the festival’s activities.

Themed “Fanfare of Festivals,” the 91st festival and each of its events were a labor of love for many volunteers, festival officials and the court members.

“This has been a year in the making,” said Julie Thompson, Tea Co-Chairperson. “It takes a long time to plan all of this, so we’ve been working on it since last November. We’re just so happy that it’s here.”

Tea attendees had the opportunity to see all of the intricate details of each of the costumes, designed by Jacob A. Climer.

Representing each year of the Texas Rose Festival, 91 roses decorated the Queen Frances Olivia Faulconer’s train and gown.

Eight artisans worked on various pieces of the Queen’s gown which included at least 12 different fabrics, 42 hand-rolled and hand-stoned roses and over 300 hours of hand beading. In all, it took seven months to create final gown and train.

Tyler is known for being the Rose Capital of the World and is where Queen Frances was born and raised. Her family has a long involvement with the festival, both on the court and in volunteer roles. Her aunt, Catharine Faulconer, was Tea Co-Chairperson this year.

The tea is not only a time to enjoy the wonder of the court and their costumes, but since it is held in the famed Rose Garden, it’s also “a day to celebrate the rose history,” Thompson said.

“This event is put on every year by the Queen’s family,” said Thompson. “It is a gift to the community every year by the Queen’s family so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful weather and see the beautiful Rose Garden, which is such an iconic place in our city. They get to come and see all the beautiful costumes and enjoy a lovely day.”

Queen Frances’ pavilion was built by Patrick Veen who also manufactured the two shields that were designed by Ellie Walker. Walker designed the Queen’s logo which was incorporated throughout the entire tea. Garden Style provided all of the flowers.

Attendees enjoyed the event.

“We love being out here and enjoying the roses, and looking at the beautiful dresses with my daughters,” said Melissa Fitzgerald, a guest at the tea. “We love being out in the sunshine.”

91st Texas Rose Festival President Bill Evans said he was proud to see a wonderful turnout for all the festival events.

“It’s just amazing to see everyone come out and enjoy the parade, and the tea as well. The volunteerism in this community is just amazing,” said Evans. “We’re seeing more and more getting involved, more diversity. As a community we all come together and I love that.”