Posted 10:06 pm Sunday, October 03, 2010
Rose Festival Coronation To Be A Show That Observes Tyler's Legacy
Tyler, A Tapestry Of Blessings
By COSHANDRA DILLARD
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Organizers of the 2010 Texas Rose Festival Coronation say Tyler residents and visitors to the city will be pleasantly amazed and blessed by a "gorgeous presentation" of Tyler, A Tapestry of Blessings, the theme for the event.
There will be a 2 p.m. matinee performance and 7 p.m. evening Queen's Coronation performance Oct. 15 at the R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center, 3900 University Boulevard.
Coronation co-chairwoman Sunni Brookshire is reserved in disclosing the details of this year's event, but does not shy from promising a great show that will surely observe Tyler's legacy.
ABOVE: Committee members (from left) Linda Rowe, script; Lynn Ramey, director and choreographer; and Holly Marsh, music coordinator; are combining their efforts for the 2010 Texas Rose Festival coronation ceremonies on Oct. 15 at the Cowan Center.
"Residents of Tyler will be thrilled to learn and relive events of our past which have molded and contributed to the legacy and vitality that our city presently enjoys," she said. "Likewise, guests of the Rose Festival will have a peek into the bounty of blessings which have influenced our great city of Tyler."
Long-time TRF designer Winn Morton of Dallas returns to provide the audience with an intricately designed and aesthetically pleasing backdrop. In addition, the 12 Ladies in Waiting will represent the variety of garden roses.
ABOVE Are TRF volunteers (from left) Ashley McCain and Lindsey Harrison, Royalty Committee; and Angie Russell and Ginger Young, Wardrobe Committee co-chairs.
"All of our lives are interwoven into the tapestry that will be colorfully portrayed by the court participants of ladies in waiting, duchesses, duchess of the Rose Festival and our royal queen, Miss Mary-Lawson Bracken Walden. It's going to be a night of pageantry and beauty that actually radiates from the heart of our city," Mrs. Brookshire said.
Tom Ramey, vice president of the coronation, enthusiastically awaits the upcoming festival. He noted that Rose Festival organizers have reached out to city officials, Tyler ISD, veterans and the medical community, who will all be spotlighted during the performance.
ABOVE: Texas Rose Festival volunteers (from left) Virginia Shull, Jennifer Walsh and Virginia Low are working on the Reception Committee. Receptions are scheduled at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., before the matinee and evening coronation performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center.
When considering the theme for the 2010 TRF, Ramey was inspired after months of researching Tyler history at the Tyler Public Library. He discovered, through decades-old Tyler Morning Telegraph archives, the many novel tales of the city's people, faith, industries and natural resources.
"Irrevocably and without reservations of any kind, the stories of Tyler, Texas are unique in the world and you will never convince me the contrary," he said passionately.
Ramey said the TRF is the opportune occasion to celebrate what he calls the "greatest city in America", noting the quest to showcase a distinct exhibition.
"I want to tell a story. I didn't know what the story was going to be. I just want to tell a story that would engage people," he said. "We didn't want it to be a history lesson. The prayer is that it would be an event to bless the community. In tough times, challenging times, it is so rich to be reminded of your blessings."
The event will also pay tribute to the "giving hearts" of Tyler, which includes families and foundations that have fostered philanthropic support for many generations.
Prior to the performance, guests will have an opportunity to attend a special reception.
"We invite the community to enjoy the Coronation of Mary-Lawson and please come early as there will be a pre-coronation reception this year in the foyer of Cowen to spotlight the portraits of our Tyler ladies of waiting, the duchess of the Texas Rose Festival and our reigning queen Mary-Lawson," Mrs. Brookshire said.
Tickets may be purchased at the Cowan Center Box Office or online at www.http://www.cowancenter.org/buyticketsrose.htm. Tickets start at $20. For more information call the box office at 903-566-7424.
