Posted 1:00 am Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Friends Of The Rose Honor Duchess Callie
By JOYCE TURNER
Community Editor
Community Editor
Despite the heat outside, everything was coming up roses inside Willow Brook Country Club on Tuesday, as the Friends of the Rose held a luncheon in honor of 2009 Texas Rose Festival Duchess of the Rose Growers Callie Elaine Worthen.
The annual "Everthing's Coming Up Roses" event launches a busy week of summer rehearsals for members of the Rose Festival court, said Starla Hand Horton, as she opened the luncheon.
"You are sitting among royalty today," she said, referring to those in attendance who served as rose queens and duchesses of the rose growers.
"But we're here to honor those who will be in the festival this year," said Mrs. Hand, who served as the 1974 duchess of the rose growers.
"We enjoy welcoming the girls to the summer practice each year, and we look forward to sharing this time with them," said Jill Howard, secretary of Friends of the Rose.
TRF Queen Emily Anne Austin, ladies-in-waiting and their mothers were joined at the luncheon by festival volunteers and Friends of the Rose members.
Tables were decorated with fresh-cut Tyler field roses, in keeping with this year's theme of "Celebrations & Grandeur," and Mary Cagle asked the blessing for the luncheon. As guests had lunch, Bridgette's models moved throughout the dining area during an informal style show. Janie Stewart provided piano music during the event.
The Friends of the Rose luncheon was sponsored by Chamblee's Rose Nursery, Hand Rose Farms, Hand Wholesale Nurseries, Jernigan Lone Star Realty, Lone Star Rose Nursery Inc., Mea Nursery, Nix Roses, Ran-Pro Farms, Regions Bank, Rose Country Tractor, Roses USA and Tate Rose Nursery.
An auxiliary of the Texas Rose Research Foundation Inc., Friends of the Rose traditionally holds the summer luncheon and participates in the variety display at the Rose Garden Center during the Texas Rose Festival. Individual members include former festival participants, friends and family of those in the rose industry, and rose enthusiasts. For more information, call 903-618-9036.
The 2009 Texas Rose Festival is scheduled Oct. 8-10 in Tyler.
