New queen looks forward to Rose Festival

TYLER — The queen of the 90th Texas Rose Festival is Laura Elaine Bryan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Arnold Bryan. The All Saints Episcopal School graduate and SMU sophomore was introduced Thursday evening along with her court and the festival theme, “The Story of Film.” Laura’s family has been involved with the festival since 1973 — she herself was an attendant to the queen in 2010. Laura says she’s honored to be chosen — and really looking forward to the big event. She tells KTBB, “I think the festival really just brings everyone together…It’s such a staple of Tyler, and it’s one of the first things people ask me about when I say I’m from here.”

The festival princess is Conley Jeanette Patricia Cavender, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clay Courtney Cavender. The announcements came at the opening of the annual Winter Gala at Tyler’s Willow Brook Country Club, benefiting the Tyler Rose Museum — and honoring Betsy Marsh Ellis for her longtime service to the festival, the museum, and the community The Rose Festival, one of Tyler’s signature events, is scheduled for October 19-22.