With clear blue skies and a slight October chill, Saturday offered the perfect setting for the annual Queen’s Tea at the Tyler Rose Garden. Visitors had the opportunity to meet 93rd Rose Queen Claire Ann Malone, Princess Brynn Eve Ballard, Duchess of the Rose Growers Emmy Elizabeth Brewer and members of the Court — all dressed in their Coronation costumes.
“It’s just been a beautiful, beautiful afternoon,” said Texas Rose Festival Executive Director Liz Ballard, who is also the mother of this year’s Princess. “Clearly, there’s thousands of people that have come out today from all over our community, from the parade to this tea this afternoon, and it’s just a blessing.”
A longtime tradition of the Texas Rose Festival, the Queen’s Tea gives the public a chance to meet the Queen and her Court, collect autographs and view the custom-designed gowns up close.
This year’s theme, “Celebrations Through the Seasons,” was reflected in a colorful array of costumes inspired by holidays, seasonal traditions and special occasions. Designs ranged from Christmas trees and candy canes to fall leaves, fireworks, a Fabergé egg and a New Year’s Eve ball drop, giving visitors a closer look at the creativity and intricate details of the gowns.
“I think the thing about the theme, ‘Celebrations Through the Seasons,’ is that everyone can relate to something in it, whether it’s a favorite holiday or a favorite season,” Ballard said. “Jacob Climer and his team, from the fabric designers to the crown makers and jewelry makers, have just done an incredible job. It’s been the best.”
A princess-filled afternoon at the Rose Garden
The Queen’s Tea offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to take part in one of the festival’s public events, whether they are longtime attendees or experiencing the tradition for the first time.
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Families gathered at the Rose Garden to meet members of the Court, take photos and collect autographs, making memories with the young women representing the festival.
Visiting from Houston, Jillian Williams said the Queen’s Tea was the perfect opportunity for her 3-year-old daughter, Ellie, to meet the members of the Rose Festival Court.
“She loves to get to see all the princesses and see everybody dressed up,” Williams said. “She loved the parade. She loved getting to wave at all the princesses and say hi to everybody, and get candy, of course.”
One of the Court members Ellie was especially excited to meet at the Queen’s Tea was Duchess Caroline Wilmerding Trevor Girard as Snowflake, whose blonde hair and snowflake-themed attire caught the 3-year-old’s attention during the parade Saturday morning.
“She’s definitely looking forward to meeting ‘Elsa,’” Williams said, laughing.
Also enjoying the Queen’s Tea was Annie Price, who brought her 3-year-old daughter, Maddie, to enjoy the festivities — and the cookies.
“She loves the cookies… they’re are great, the tea is great, the princesses are beautiful, and the weather couldn’t be more perfect,” Price said. “…We loved the parade, the variety of it with the bands, the dancing, and all the floats.”
A Tyler native, Price said she doesn’t make it to the festival every year but wanted to bring Maddie this year to introduce her to the festivities and show her what Tyler has to offer.
“I want her to see the appreciation of beauty in nature, and the way the flowers are all presented, the creativity in the dresses, and see the community coming together,” Price said.
The Tyler Rose Garden and Rose Museum also showcase floral displays and event designs by GM Floral & Design, a luxury floral studio owned and operated by Tyler designer Gib Maynard, adding to the garden’s vibrant atmosphere during the festival.
With the 93rd annual Texas Rose Festival nearing its close, organizers celebrated another year of tradition while looking ahead to the festival’s 94th year.
“You’re always thinking about what you can improve or change to make the next year better, and I think everything this year has gotten a golden checkmark,” Ballard said. “It’s just been wonderful. It’s always hard to top the previous year, but we’ll keep gunning for Year 94.”
Festival events continue Sunday
The 93rd Texas Rose Festival continues Sunday with the annual Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair and other events across Tyler.
The Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Bergfeld Park, featuring more than 90 vendors, live entertainment and food trucks.
The Rose Garden Museum’s Texas Rose Festival Rose Display will also be open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
For more information on the Texas Rose Festival and its remaining events, visit texasrosefestival.org.