Rose Festival season is here

TYLER – The Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler hosted the kick-off event for the Texas Rose Festival on Friday.

The Texas Rose Festival is three months away. The association held an event to thank out-of-town guests, volunteers, and sponsors after a long week of rehearsals.

“The volunteers really push it and run it and without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, same with the choreographers. They do a lot, but it’s the smallest house to the biggest things,” Texas Rose Festival Princess, Brynn Ballard said.

All week, members of the court have been practicing their bows and walks for the long-awaited coronation.

“We are so grateful for them. They have prepared literally everything for us and just brought in so much love and support throughout the week and just been there for anything that we need,” Duchess of The Rose Growers, Emmy Brewer said.
This year’s theme is “Celebrations through the Seasons.”

Texas Rose Festival Queen, Claire Ann Malone, is most excited to walk the stage with her gorgeous gown at the Queen’s Coronation.

“I think just to showcase everyone’s costumes and everything. It’s so fun, and that’s where you really get to see all the hard work that’s been put in with the practices and everything,” Texas Rose Festival Queen Claire Ann Malone said.

Brewer and Ballard both said they can’t wait to see the Tyler community bright and early down Front Street.

“You get to see all of your family and everyone on the sides just cheering. It’s so sweet and I love to get to see all the floats as well. They’re always unique and show a lot about Tyler,” Brewer said.

Ballard is grateful to be a role model for the younger kids in the community.

“I love seeing the kids in the crowd, especially the little girls who are like they’re looking up to princesses in real life and show we’re normal people, but we just get to put on a costume and bring all these people together,” Ballard said.

General public tickets for the Queen Annual Coronation go on sale September 1st. Tickets to the coronation can be purchased through the Cowan Center box office. The Texas Rose Festival Parade will be October 17th and with coverage on KETK.