A Rose is a rose is a festival
The only bad thing about a Fun Event is when it conflicts with another Fun Event.
This will not happen Saturday when Norwich hosts its outstanding Rose Arts Festival, but such things spring to mind because Rose Arts, in just a few years, has become a must-attend Fun Event on par with New London’s Sailfest. Resurrected in 2017 after a few decades of dormancy, the Rose Arts Festival bounced back with energy and hometown pride, and this year’s edition promises to be bigger and cooler than ever. Consider:
The kids-centric Rose Bud Parade at 10 a.m. at Chelsea Parade Park.
Live music will blare forth enticingly throughout — dayside at the park and in the evening at several participating venues — with New Orleans’ premiere live band Dumpstaphunk headlining and dozens of the region’s finest acts participating.
The Sara Davis Budding Artist Display features amazing fine art by young folks — named for Sara St. George Davis, a Norwich resident and beloved teacher at Wequonnoc School who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2017.
The return of a long-standing Rose Arts Festival, tradition: the Rose Court Competition has been reimagined and is open to all genders while honoring tradition by demanding that candidates exemplify pride in Norwich, community involvement, intellect, and leadership. All the rides, activities, food and festivities one demands of a summer gala. Oh, yeah: It’s free. (For an in-depth look at Rose Arts and a full schedule, see Friday’s Daybreak section).