Annual Rose Festival Blessing at Mt. Olivet Church Saturday

The Rose Festival Court of 15 Princesses will make their first public appearance at the annual Blessing of the Rose Festival, celebrating the return of Portland's official festival, Saturday, noon, April 16. The event will include the Rev. Edward Williams, pastor of Mt. Olivet Baptist church, offering a message and blessing. The event will honor members of the Rose Festival Foundation, Rose Society and Royal Rosarians lost in the past year.

Following the blessing, there will be a formal rose planting ceremony honoring Pastor Williams and the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 8501 N. Chautauqua Blvd., Portland.

Other participants include, Royal Rosarians Prime Minister Dwight Terry, Portland Rose Festival President Dave Todd and Portland Rose Society President Cheryl McClain.