90th Texas Rose Festival Parade Saturday, October 21, 2023. (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

The 91st Texas Rose Festival kicks off Thursday.

Featuring stunning floats, a lively parade, and the crowning of the Rose Queen and her court, this beloved annual event celebrates local traditions and community spirit, inviting residents and visitors to revel in the beauty of Texas roses.

Dating back to 1933, it was originally organized by the Tyler Garden Club members, local rose growers and the Chamber of Commerce as a modest event to promote the local rose industry, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the flowers grown in East Texas.

Over the last nine decades, it has blossomed into a vibrant event that attracts thousands of visitors over a three-day celebration that features a grand parade, rose exhibition and the introduction of the Texas Rose Festival Queen. Except for World War II and the 2020 pandemic, the festival has been held annually, highlighting Tyler’s floral bounty and fostering community pride — making it a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike.

The Texas Rose Festival will officially kick off Thursday at 10 a.m. with a Ribbon Cutting and Morning Prayer Service at the Rose Garden Center, located at 420 Rose Park Drive in Tyler. This tradition invites the community to celebrate the beauty of roses, as well as the artistry inspired by them. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. also at the Rose Garden Center, visitors can stroll through the Texas Rose Festival Rose Display and admire the Palette of Roses Art Show & Sale, where a variety of rose-themed artwork in all sorts of medium awaits.

On Friday, the festivities continue with the Men’s Luncheon at 11:15 a.m. at the Cascades, located at 4511 Briarwood Road in Tyler. Tickets are required, starting at $50. Meanwhile, the Ladies’ Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Crosswalk Center at Green Acres Baptist Church, located at 1607 Troup Highway in Tyler, with tickets available starting at $75.

At the heart of the festivities, Rose Festival Queen Frances Olivia Faulconer and her radiant court will reign supreme during a matinee coronation at 2 p.m., showcasing their exquisite gowns at the R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center at UT Tyler, located at 3900 University Boulevard. Tickets for this elegant event range from $15 to $45. Later in the evening, the celebration continues with a second coronation at 7 p.m., where tickets are available for $25 to $85.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, visitors can continue a stroll through the Texas Rose Festival Rose Display, as well as the Palette of Roses Art Show & Sale at the Rose Garden Center.

On Saturday, the Texas Rose Festival kicks off with exciting pre-parade activities at 9 a.m. at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. Following this, the much-anticipated Texas Rose Festival Parade begins at 9 a.m. The parade route starts at Glenwood Boulevard and Front Street, offering free viewing for those along the route, ending back at the stadium. Reserved stadium seating tickets are available for $10.

Throughout the day Saturday, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities. Over at Bergfeld Park, the Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 75 vendors will offer handmade items, including creative art, jewelry, photography, mixed media, and food. Admission is free, though kids’ activities and concessions are available for a fee.

For a touch of history, visitors can stop by Tyler’s Old Rose Open House at the historic Goodman-LeGrand House, which features a vintage Rose Festival dress display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted for this charming showcase.

The Rose Display continues at the Rose Garden Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Palette of Roses Art Show & Sale will still be available until 4 p.m.

Finally, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, guests are invited to the Texas Rose Festival Queen’s Tea at the Tyler Rose Garden, where they can meet Rose Queen Faulconer and her court in their coronation costumes. Admission to this event is free and enjoyed by all ages.

On Sunday, the arts and crafts fair will continue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Rose Display will be available from noon to 4 p.m.

Whether you are a longtime resident or a visitor, the Texas Rose Festival offers unique opportunities to connect with nature, art and fellow festival-goers, creating memories that will bloom for years to come.

For tickets or more information, visit texasrosefestival.org.