Guests mingle and snap photos during the 91st Annual Texas Rose Festival Kick Off Celebration Friday, July 19, 2024, at Willow Brook Country Club. (Les Hassell/Longview News-Journal Photo)

Within the elegant halls of Willow Brook Country Club on Friday evening, Rose Queen Frances Olivia Faulconer and Princess Merritt Elizabeth Dial graciously welcomed local residents, heralding the commencement of the 91st Texas Rose Festival.

“I hope to embrace all that the past queens have carried so well … they have done such a great job of running the city and bringing this festival to life,” Faulconer said. “I hope I can do the same.”

The annual kickoff event officially began the countdown for the festival and welcomed out-of-town guests who are part of this year’s festival.

“Since January, these ladies have been serving as wonderful ambassadors for our community,” said William “Bill” Evans, president of the Texas Rose Festival Association.

Since its inception in 1933, the Texas Rose Festival has captivated attendees with a grand three-day celebration, honoring Tyler’s significant role in the rose-growing industry and attracting countless visitors annually.

“We are very thankful that our community is filled with such generous supporters willing to give of their time and talents to the festival,” Evans said, welcoming the crowd for an evening of celebration. “We could not continue the tradition without such invaluable support.”

Evans then introduced Duchess of the Rose Growers Alice Elizabeth Milton, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Carver and Dr. and Mrs. Mark Milton, who provided a warm welcome.

“As the Duchess of the Rose Growers, it is indeed an honor to represent Tyler’s most beautiful asset, the rose,” she said. “The Rose Festival, along with the City of Tyler, has focused on the same mission — celebrating the beauty of the rose, promoting the local rose industry and history along with attracting tourism to our beautiful city. We are so thankful for all the statewide enthusiasm continues to keep this tradition going strong.”

Evans invited Princess Dial, who reflected on her role and expressed gratitude for the community’s hospitality.

“I have truly enjoyed being an ambassador for Tyler and will continue to share our community pride throughout the year,” she said. “I am honored to represent my family’s many years of service to the festival and share this experience alongside Queen ‘Franny’ and our Duchess of the Rose Growers Alice Milton and the court as we celebrate our city and promote hospitality to the guests visiting us this weekend.”

Dial is currently a sophomore at Texas Tech University. She is the daughter of David and Michelle Dial.

Before introducing the Queen, Evans presented the Royal Attendants: Master Reeves Parker Bankston, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Dalton Bankston; Miss Vivian Kate Deere, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Alan Deere; Miss Emerson Blaire Edwards, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Emerson Edwards; Master John Keller Lahourcade, son of Dr. and Mrs. John Austin Lahourcade; Master Mark Thomas Land, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thomas Land, Sr.; Master Lawrence Lewis Loggins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lesley Luke Loggins; Master Styles Jax Morris, son of Ms. Ashley Mizer Morris; Miss Grace Lindsey Peveto, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Michael Peveto; Miss Camilla Rose Swann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elam Franklin Swann IV; and Miss Kollins Jean Tucker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Harris Tucker.

“What a blessing and honor it has been so far to serve as the 2024 Rose Queen,” Faulconer said. “Since the beginning of the year, I have really enjoyed promoting the rich history of the Texas Rose Festival and the impact it has had on our East Texas community.”

At the heart of the event are the queen and her court, elegantly attired in elaborate gowns and costumes that echo the theme of each year’s festival. This year, the theme “Fanfare of the Festivals” promises a spirited and colorful occasion, filled with cultural splendor and community spirit.

“While many aspects of the festival, such as themes and costumes have evolved over the decades, one thing has remained the same — the strong sense of service and support from its many volunteers and sponsors in Tyler and Smith County,” Faulconer said. “Thank you to all of the men and women who are working so hard to make another wonderful festival come to life for the next generation to enjoy.”

Faulconer was born and raised in Tyler, and is currently attending Baylor University as a junior majoring in interior design. She is the daughter of Galen and Renee Faulconer.

Following a press conference, attendees enjoyed a Coachella-inspired kickoff party featuring lively entertainment by The Pictures.

The 91st festival kicks off in October with the queen’s coronation and the Rose Parade. Events will go on from Oct. 17-20. General public ticket sales begin on Sept. 3.