City of Roses lives up to title - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

City of Roses lives up to title

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By Stephen Abel - bio | email
Mayor Camille Payne Mayor Camille Payne
Rick Thomas Rick Thomas

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THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - The day began with a performance from the Thomasville High School Band. "We are playing "Everything's Coming Up Roses" for the opening of the Rose Show," said Thomasville High School student Nikki Frisky.

Folks from all over the country filed into downtown Thomasville today to experience the 90th Rose Show. Mayor Camille Payne says the mission for the day is clear. "The goal for the day is to keep the weather beautiful, keep the crowds coming, and have everybody enjoy the roses."

Miss Georgia was in attendance as well the 2011 Thomasville Rose Queen. "I am the ambassador to Thomasville and I'll welcome and greet people," said 2011 Rose Queen Madeline MaQuirtr.

Citizens of Thomasville say having your roses displayed in the show is a big honor. Rick Thomas grew this year's queen rose. "I've been growing roses for about 25 years and pretty much the same process every year. I guess I just got lucky this year," said Thomas.

Roses are not the only flowers on display. "Ah the orchids they are absolutely gorgeous," said Rose Show visitor Deborah Hampton.

The only complaint we heard today was the lack of signs on the road. "Cause we've been contributing to the traffic by going around in circles," said Rose Show visitor Don Kidrick.

The most popular event of the festival kicks off tonight with the 63rd annual Rose Parade. This is where Thomasville rolls out its "rose" carpet with colorful floats, marching bands, and a few surprises.

You can see the Rose Parade live on WALB beginning at seven o'clock Friday night.

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