From left, 1983 Queen Jane Hartley Coker; Thursday Celebration Luncheon Co-Chair Patrick Willis; and 1983 Duchess of the Rose Growers Jennifer Moore Gaston speak to guests Thursday. 

As part of celebrations for the 90th Texas Rose Festival, the annual Thursday Celebration Luncheon was held at the Hollytree Country Club in Tyler.

“The Thursday Celebration Luncheon is to welcome out-of-town dignitaries as well as to recognize the Queen’s parents and the president of the festival and his wife in order to kick off the festival ceremonies,” said Patrick Willis, co-chair of the Thursday luncheon. “We had several special guests that were with us and lots of great fun and just enjoyed it very much.”

Since its founding by civic leader Catherine Bertram in the mid-1980s, the Thursday luncheon has been held at Hollytree Country Club.

“The main objective is to just really highlight our hospitality,” said Liz Ballard, executive director of Texas Rose Festival. “It lets people know what the event is all about, how it is very beneficial for our communities from an economic standpoint and then also the legacy of the rose that has put our city on the map.”

The Thursday Celebration Luncheon of the Texas Rose Festival is co-chaired by Annette Findley and Willis. Kay Latta serves as luncheon treasurer.

“The weather has been beautiful lately, especially today, and I’m so grateful for the guests who have joined us at the luncheon,” Willis said.

The event honored Queen Laura Elaine Byran’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. William Arnold Bryan, and Festival President Mr. and Mrs. Ron Schoenbrun.

The 1983 Queen Jane Hartley Coker and 1983 Duchess of the Rose Growers Jennifer Moore Gaston served as honorary chairs.

“They’ve done a beautiful job for this year’s luncheon with the design and decor tying it in with the theme, the Story of Film,” Ballard said. “And it’s always special to hear from a past Queen or the Duchess on their events; it just makes it very personable.”

For the crowd of nearly 400 people, Willis interviewed Coker and Gaston as part of the program, regarding their recollections of serving in these roles 40 years ago.

A special guest of the luncheon was Susan Ford Bales, daughter of the 38th President of the United States and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford, who was invited by Willis.

Ballard said the Thursday Celebration Luncheon is always a great way to celebrate the festivities set for the coming days, including luncheons, the Coronation, the parade and more.

“I just want to shout out to Annette and Patrick for their coordination and their top-notch events that they always have. We look forward to celebrating for the rest of the week,” Ballard said.