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Who is El Dorado Rose? Dressed in her finest ball gown, she dances at the El Dorado Rose Grand Rose Ball. In a pioneer costume she may ride in the Annual Wagon Train from Broadway to the Fairgrounds. In parades she waves to the crowd from The Rose Float.
The Rose attends the State Fair and greets at the El Dorado County Booth. Always dressed for the occasion she can be seen at ribbon cuttings, hosting a variety of community affairs and at schools talking about the rich history of her county. Throughout her reign she keeps on giving to her community. You ask, "What is the Rose Program in El Dorado County? Who qualifies for the coveted title of El Dorado Rose?" In 1976 the Fair Directors thought the time was right for a program that recognized the county’s outstanding mature women. A contest was held and the first El Dorado Rose was announced at a pageant during the fair. To qualify to become a candidate a lady must have reached the age of fifty-five, resided in the county for at least ten years and most importantly, contributed many years of volunteer service to her community. It is the Rose philosophy that true beauty comes from within. The Board of Directors or Officers, including twelve Directors, meets every month throughout the year to plan the program and events. Also in 1980, the first annual El Dorado Rose Grand Ball was held. A lovely dinner is served followed by the Grand Promenade. Dressed in beautiful old fashioned ball gowns, the new candidates for El Dorado Rose are presented during the Promenade. Then the dancing begins!
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The spring event is one of the highlights of the Rose program. In late summer the Rose’s hold an Annual Picnic for all past and present Roses. County residents who come from a variety of backgrounds judge the contestants for El Dorado Rose. They study the candidates' resumes with their contributions to the community being carefully weighed. Five judges evaluate candidates for the Rose title. In personal interviews each candidate is judged on community service, presentation, personality and her knowledge of local history. A point system is used and the winner is held in secrecy until the Rose Pageant. Based upon the decision of three costume judges candidates may also receive awards for the best reproduction and most authentic costumes. The big event, the El Dorado Rose Pageant, is one of the finest events of the Fair. It has grown in interest and popularity and each year the audience increases. The Pageant is held at 7PM on Friday, Senior Citizens' Day, on the Main Stage at the Fairgrounds. The Pageant begins with music and entertainment. The audience is usually invited to join the singers in a song or two. Each candidate receives a “Lady of the Court” trophy. Trophies are awarded for the best reproduction and most authentic costumes. When appropriate a trophy is given to someone who has the most pioneer spirit. Finally the new "Rose" is announced and presented with a trophy, a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, a gold necklace and satin sash. Accompanied by the official song, "El Dorado Rose" the new El Dorado Rose takes her victory walk. Following the pageant El Dorado Rose and her Court are treated to a reception held in their honor. A reception immediately follows and marks the beginning of a year filled with excitement, fun and duties, not only for the Rose but for her Court as well. All year long they appear at community events throughout the County and are recognized as the County's Official Hostesses. The Golden Rose Every year in April the members of the El Dorado Rose Inc. are given a paper to nominate a lady over 60 who has contributed to the County but is not able to" run" for El Dorado Rose. The Golden Rose is announced at the Grand Ball where she is presented a plaque, gold satin sash and a gold pin. In 1987 the committee created a "Lady of the Lake" title. The “Lady” represents the Rose program at South Lake Tahoe and is chosen from candidates from South Lake Tahoe. She is presented with a blue sash. The background and lives of the candidates and Roses are varied, but they all share a deep interest and commitment to their community's welfare. Although these ladies are but descendants of the era of high button shoes, parasols and bustles, and neighbor helping neighbor, they give of themselves in the true pioneer spirit and serve as mentors to those who follow. Roses continue to contribute to their communities long after the ball and pageant, year after year. They truly are special ladies. ... Visit the Rose Gallery ... |
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| ___________________________ Story compiled by Sharon Baldwin, IT Department, El Dorado County from the following sources: El Dorado County Fair Office and photos are courtesy of Waldith Graham and Nancy Ferreira, and all the El Dorado Roses that graciously submitted their photos. Note: If you have a Rose photo, please call Sharon Baldwin [Phone: 621-5426 or ] to make arrangements for adding to the Rose Gallery. Thank you |
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