Tyler

By JOYCE TURNER
Community Editor

Volunteers, supporters and participants came to pay “A Royal Tribute to the Rose” Friday evening during the Rose Festival Kick-Off Party at Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler.

“We are here tonight to celebrate the end of summer practice and the beginning of our countdown to the 75th Texas Rose Festival,” said Julie Ischy, executive director of the Texas Rose Festival Association, during a news conference before the party.

The Kick-Off Party, chaired by Marti Bigbie and Amalia Wedell, officially launches the countdown to the festival, to be held Oct. 16-19 in Tyler. But it also serves as a means to thank the corporate sponsors and 800-plus volunteers involved in the festival.

“The Rose Festival, along with the city of Tyler, has focused on the same mission for 75 years — celebrating the beauty of the rose, promoting the local rose industry and civic pride and attracting tourists to our beautiful city,” Texas Rose Festival President James Wynne said.

Wynne introduced Rose Queen Sarah Elizabeth Clyde, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Clyde IV of Tyler, and Duchess of the Rose Growers Elizabeth Katelyn Horton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Horton of Tyler.

Miss Clyde said it has been a blessing to serve as this year’s rose queen.

“Since the beginning of the year, I have really enjoyed learning so much of the rich history of the Texas Rose Festival as it has strongly influenced much of the planning of this upcoming festival,” Miss Clyde said. “While many aspects, such as the themes and costumes, have evolved over the past 75 years, one characteristic has remained the same — the strong sense of service and support from the many volunteers.” Miss Horton said it was an honor to represent the rose industry.

“When our forefathers started growing roses over 75 years ago, I wonder if they could have imagined the legacy that they would start with just those few fields of roses. The importance of the rose industry to the community of Tyler helped to create the Texas Rose Festival, which is now a celebration of statewide and worldwide recognition,” Miss Horton said.

Wynne thanked Miss Clyde and Miss Horton for their efforts this year in support of the festival.

“Since January, these ladies have been serving as wonderful ambassadors for our community,” he said.

KICK OFF: Texas Rose Festival Queen Sarah Elizabeth Clyde speaks to members of the media at the Texas Rose Festival Kick-Off Party on Friday in Tyler.
((Staff Photo By Mark Roberts))