Texas Rose Festival Countdown Begins

TYLER — The countdown to the 86th annual Texas Rose Festival continues following Friday night’s Kick Off Celebration at Tyler’s Willow Brook Country Club. Rose Queen Hanna Claire Waits says she’s been busy in the months since she assumed the title. She tells KTBB “it’s been really fun so far” meeting the kids from out of town who are part of the festival and “letting them see what the Rose Festival is really about and…the awesome impact that it has on our community.” As Hanna and her court continue rehearsals, she also acknowledged “the hundreds of volunteers” who “are working backstage constantly, making sure we’re all in the right place, that everybody’s calm.” Public ticket sales begin September 1, and the festival is set for October 17th through 20th. Go to http://www.texasrosefestival.com to learn more.