Little-Known Tyler Stories to Be Told at Rose Festival

TYLER — The Texas Rose Festival begins Thursday, and a special touch at Friday’s coronations will be stories that make Tyler special — and that you’ve probably never heard. They range from the city’s connection with the classic film “Casablanca” to how Tyler emerged from a failed peach crop to become a leader in the rose industry. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Festival Executive Vice President Tom Ramey said the Queen’s Court will provide the details: “Each girl will represent a story that sets this city unique — apart from any other city in America.” Ramey says one of his favorite stories involves the rose being named the national flower in 1986. According to Ramey, “It was a man from Tyler, Texas, who said, ‘We will do whatever it takes to make the rose the national flower of America.'” Ramey says details will come at the coronations.

The number to call for coronation tickets is (903) 566-7424. You can also go to http://www.texasrosefestival.com for more information. The “Staff Meeting” show is available at http://www.ktbb.com/audio beginning early Monday morning.