Posted 3:37 am Sunday, October 11, 2009
Parade-Goers Brave Cold Weather To Watch Queen, Court, Colorful Floats
By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
Tylerites and out-of-towners braved the cold weather Saturday to attend the 76th annual Texas Rose Festival Parade.
Staff Writer
Tylerites and out-of-towners braved the cold weather Saturday to attend the 76th annual Texas Rose Festival Parade.
As preparations for the parade got under way, glitter was put on horses and tractors went around Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.
"This is the best parade of all the ones we do. The crowds are big (and) people love us ... (We're) looking forward to a good time," said Vicki Hamilton, Texas Spirit Riders captain, as she stood next to the horses.
The pre-parade show included presentations by Tyler Police Department Color Guard, the playing of the National Anthem and performances from the Tyler Dance-N-Drill Golden Girls and the Tyler Dance-N-Drill Flyers.
Lynn Ramey, director of Dance-N Drill, said they try to pick a good visual routine when they participate in the Rose Festival.
"We love being a part of the Rose Festival and participating in our community. It's fun for everyone to be plugged in in some way," she said. "The Rose Festival is so special because of what it does for Tyler. It puts Tyler on the map."
Shortly after the pre-parade show, about 100 parade entries traveled from Front and Glenwood streets to Rose Stadium in a more than two-hour procession.
The entries represented a variety of groups and organizations, such as Boy Scouts, bands and dignitaries like gubernatorial candidate Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, to duchesses and Elsie the Borden Cow.
Among the others in the parade were Tyler firefighters, Ladies-in-Waiting, the Humane Society of East Texas and the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Attendees cheered for certain schools and children looked on with fascination as floats went by.
Nine-year-old Keaton Rosenlieb pointed out her sister, Kearby Rosenlieb, who was one of the Ladies-in-Waiting.
"I like seeing all of the floats. I like hearing the bands," Miss Rosenlieb said.
Additionally, she said she loved the dress Rose Queen Emily Anne Austin has worn during the festival, especially her initials on the train.
Staci Lewis came to the parade with her two daughters, Emma, 5, and Morgan, 10.
Ms. Lewis, who now lives in Rockwall, said it was her first time to come to the parade since she was a student at Whitehouse High School.
This year, she decided to come back and share the experience with her children. When asked if she was excited about seeing the float carrying Queen Emily and her attendants, Emma nodded "yes."
Joe Hayes said he enjoys seeing the pageantry, but this year was particularly special because he got to watch his grandson, Zachary, in the T.K. Gorman High School band.
William and Elthie Meads, of New Boston, also came to see a grandchild in the parade. Mrs. Meads said she attended her first Texas Rose Festival parade 50 years ago when she was a teacher in Hawkins.
Back then, she said, the festivities were on a smaller scale.
Perhaps the highlight of the parade was Queen Emily's float. Attendees in the stadium rose from their seats as her float came around the track.
After the parade, Queen Emily called the event "phenomenal" and said she had fun interacting with people along the route.
Of all the Rose Festival activities, she cited Friday's coronation ceremony as her favorite.
"Being able to represent Tyler (as festival queen) was such an honor ... I'm sad it's over," she said.
