Since its beginning in 1933, the Texas Rose Festival has represented the spirit that brings Tyler together as a community.

Rich in heritage and tradition, the Festival offers enchanting ceremonial events - the Queen's Coronation, the Rose Show, the Queen's Tea, the Rose Parade - all amidst a backdrop of brilliant roses as vibrant and colorful as the community they represent.

We invite you to join us this year as the City of Roses celebrates its 75th annual Texas Rose Festival October 16-19, 2008.

Celebrating our diamond anniversary, the 2008 Texas Rose Festival will honor our glittering and glamorous past.  The festival will be a magical experience and will impart enchantment and nostalgia as Tyler’s unique heritage is portrayed in costume.  “A Royal Tribute to the Rose”, commemorates 75 years of roses and royalty.  It promises to bestow awe inspiring highlights from the pages of Tyler’s rose history.  Please join us, as we travel through time exploring the festival traditions of yesteryear, in celebration of those who paved the way for the Festivals of today and to honor our national flower, the rose.

Queen Sarah Elizabeth Clyde will reign over the 2008 Texas Rose Festival.  Queen Sarah is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Clyde IV.

Miss Elizabeth Katelyn Horton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Horton, will serve as Duchess of the Rose Growers.

Queen Sarah, President James Wynne and Duchess Elizabeth

Duchess of the Rose Growers Elizabeth Katelyn Horton and family

Photos courtesy of Tyler Morning Telegraph, TylerPaper.com