Tyler will be host to the American Rose Society’s National Rose Show, the largest and most prestigious rose show in the nation, Oct. 17-18 at the Rose Garden Center.

“The roses are gorgeous and spectacular,” Jeffrey Ware, ARS executive director, said in a statement. “We’re excited to be able to provide the Tyler community with the opportunity to see roses grown by the best in the nation.”

It is the first time for the show to be held in the Rose Capital and during the Texas Rose Festival.

“We’re bringing a new element to Tyler’s Rose season, and we’re proud to be a part of it.” Ware said.

The National Rose Show will have more than 100 classes of competition for roses and rose arrangements, the announcement said. The show is free and is open to the public from 1 to 6 p.m. Oct. 17 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18.

In conjunction with the show, ARS is holding its National Convention, “Roses in the Piney Woods,” at Holiday Inn South Broadway. The convention includes lectures, seminars and special events, along with the opportunity for participants to see Texas Rose Festival events. 

The American Rose Society promotes the culture and appreciation of the rose through education and research.