The Texas Rose Festival, a three-day event held annually in Tyler, Texas, celebrates the role of the rose-growing industry in the local economy. The festivities, taking place during the third weekend of October, draw thousands of tourists to the city each year. History The first Tyler Rose Festival was organized by Tyler Garden Club members, local rose growers and the Chamber of Commerce in October 1933 for the purpose of focusing attention on the importance of the rose industry to Tyler, and to showcase the town's elegance; it was renamed the Texas Rose Festival during the Texas Centennial in 1936. Aside from the festival's suspension during World War II & in 2020, it has been an annual event. The Rose Queen and her court Many of the festival's events center on the Rose Queen and her court, who wear lavish gowns and costumes that are often in keeping with the theme of the year's festival. These participants generally come from wealthy backgrounds and often have long family histories with the festival; many have played various roles in the events since childhood. The queen and her court are chosen by the President of the Texas Rose Festival Association who works in the organization for 4 years before taking on the role as president. In addition to the Rose Queen, the court includes: The Duchess of the Rose Growers, a member of a rose-growing family selected by and representing the Texas Rose Growers Association. Out-of-town duchesses and escorts, sponsored by a family involved in the Rose Festival and invited because of relationships with Tyler residents. Ladies in waiting, a select group of young women from Tyler, in their sophomore year of college, whose families have been involved in the festival for several years. Train bearers, scepter bearers and attendants to the queen, usually elementary-school-aged children whose families are involved in the festival. Rose Queens include: 2021 Anna Grace Hallmark 2020 Suspension of Rose Festival caused by COVID-19 pandemic. 2019 Hanna Claire Waits 2018 Amanda Elaine Hiles 2017 Emily Kaye Evans 2016 Mallory Kristine Curtis 2015 Madeline Shirley Wynne 2014 Kathryn Elizabeth Peltier 2013 Rachel Vanderpool Clyde 2012 Haley McGrede Anderson 2011 Morgan Elizabeth Rippy 2010 Mary-Lawson Bracken Walden 2009 Emily Anne Austin 2008 Sarah Elizabeth Clyde 2007 Grace Hartley Ramey (Cryer) 2006 Lauren Frances Jones (Stoltz) 2005 Katherine Noel King (Gibson) 2004 Lauren French Sanford 2003 Elizabeth Arlene Lilly 2002 Audrey Elizabeth