TYLER, Texas — The Texas Rose Festival kicked off its 90th celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday.
The theme of this year's event is the "History of Film."
"They selected the theme based on the history of film and its legacy, which spans about a 90-year term as well," said Liz Ballard, executive director of the Texas Rose Festival Association.
President of the Texas Rose Festival Ron Schoenbrun says the festival draws in guests from all over the country.
"That's one of the great thing things about the festival now is we get so many out-of-town people that want to participate, get to see Tyler and what Tyler is about," Schoenbrun said.
Ballard said it’s important for the parade to represent the community.
"It is just wonderful that our community sponsors are embracing the opportunity to support not only our court members and their floats but also groups that are meaningful to the community," Ballard said.
This year's Texas Rose Festival Queen Laura Bryan, says getting the opportunity to be a city ambassador has been an honor.
"I was able to open the new SPCA building, another cause dear to my heart, and just be able to give back to the community in those ways," Bryan said.
This is the first time the new W.T. Brookshire Conference Center will be used for the Texas Rose Festival.
For the full slate of Texas Rose Festival events, click here.