Vocalist Debra Hammons performed a musical tribute at the 90th annual Texas Rose Festival opening ceremony and prayer service on Oct. 19. 

Lights, camera, action!

An oversized film reel with tape consisting of red, white and pink roses hung across the stage where the 90th Texas Rose Festival held its opening ceremony and prayer service Thursday morning.

Fuchsia drapes cast a lively hue on an audience of about 100 dressed in elegant floral patterns and stately suits. Keeping with the festival’s theme, The Story of Film, guests walked a red carpet to their seats before speakers announced the festival’s debut.

“This has been one of the best years of my life,” said Laura Bryan, Texas Rose Festival Queen. “I cannot believe it’s finally here, and we can celebrate the roses and the city. I enjoyed every second of it.”

Following a prayer, Tyler Mayor Don Warren read a proclamation that said,” This day, we celebrate the rose, our national flower that has brought Tyler such beauty, recognition and success.”

Since 1933, Community leaders have supported the Texas Rose Festival Association in sponsoring the yearly event and activities to highlight Tyler and Smith County, attract tourism, promote the rose industry and its legacy, celebrate community volunteerism and instill pride.

The festival welcomes the public to participate in activities hosted in the 14-acre Municipal Rose Garden and throughout the city of Tyler, the Rose Capital of the World.

“Over 90 years, it has changed a lot. It was not on the scale it is now back in the old days. We didn’t have as many out-of-town participants,” said Ron Schoenbrun, 2023 Texas Rose Festival Association president. “One of the great things about the festival now is we get so many out-of-town people that want to participate, see Tyler and what Tyler’s about.”

The Story of Film theme was chosen because its history falls in line with the history of the Rose Festival, said Liz Ballard, Texas Rose Festival executive director. Films will be featured at the coronation, stretching back to the 30s up to the current time.

“I can say it’ll be like nothing anyone’s ever seen if you’re coming from out of town,” Bryan said. “The coronation is a highlight, and the parade involves the whole city, so it’s gonna be fabulous.”

Friday

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Texas Rose Festival Rose Display will take place in the Rose Garden Center

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Palette of Roses Art Show and Sale will occur in the Rose Garden Center.

11:15 a.m. Texas Rose Festival Men’s Luncheon. Tickets required: $50 and up.

11:30 a.m. Texas Rose Festival Ladies’ Luncheon. Tickets required: $75 and up.

2 p.m. Texas Rose Festival Matinee Coronation at the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center. Tickets required: $15 to $45. People can find tickets at Texasrosefestival.com

7 p.m. Texas Rose Festival Evening Coronation will occur at the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center. Tickets required: $25 to $85. People can find tickets at Texasrosefestival.com.

Saturday

9 a.m. Texas Rose Festival Parade will take place West from Glenwood Blvd. and Front St. It will also be televised on KETK-TV – NBC. The parade is free to watch along the route, but East Side Reserved Stadium seating tickets are $10.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Texas Rose Festival Rose Display at Rose Garden Center

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Palette of Roses Art Show and Sale Art Show

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rose Festival Arts and Crafts Fair. Over 75 vendors will provide handmade items such as creative art, jewelry, photography, mixed media, food, wood and more. Free admission (kids zone and concessions for a fee) at Bergfeld Park

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tyler’s Old Rose Open House at the historic Goodman-LeGrand House Vintage Rose Festival Dress Display from Oct. 8 to 29, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1 to 3 p.m. Texas Rose Festival Queen’s Tea at Tyler Municipal Rose Garden

Sunday

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rose Festival Arts and Crafts Fair continues at Bergfeld Park.

Noon to 4 p.m. Texas Rose Festival Rose Display at Rose Garden Center