Committee looks to successful Rose Festival Sept. 10

The Wasco Rose Festival is back and set for Sept. 10. The theme for this year is the Wizard of Oz's "No Place Like Home," symbolizing the festival's return to the weekend after Labor Day.

"This will be a great event, as we get over covid. People are ready to spread their wings again and get back to normalcy," said Rose Festival committee member Juan Gallardo. "It is a good way to enjoy the day and will be an amazing time. It truly is a tradition the community loves and a highlight of their year for many."

There was a festival last year, but it was organized with only three weeks of preparation. This time around, the planning committee is envisioning much more participation.

"Our goal is to have 50 floats," Gallardo said.

The parade will culminate at Barker Park, where there will be food, music, activities, different arts and crafts vendors, and a car show. "We are planning for a petting zoo for the kids with goats, pigs and lambs," he said.

A centerpiece of the festival is the Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant.

"These young ladies always add a unique touch to the celebration," Gallardo said .

The committee is in the process of selecting the grand marshalls, and there will be a Wine and Roses event to honor them.

"Our planning committee is strong this year, with each of us bringing our different strengths to the table. We also have the support of Wasco Is and the Orange Heart Foundation, to name a few."

They are utilizing social media to get the word out and have reached out to the local schools, churches and other nonprofits to help.

Gallardo and the rest of the planning committee are grateful for the sponsors, whose contributions ensure the best festival possible.

"We invite the community to enjoy what is among Wasco's biggest celebrations of the year. It will be a lot of fun and a way to shine a bright spotlight on our great town," Gallardo said.

For more information on participating in the parade, sponsorships, or volunteering, call 661-340-5801.