07/09/2026
WASCO ROSE FESTIVAL FOUNDATION PRESENTS AN EVENING IN BLOOM HONORED GUEST RECEPTION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Wasco Rose Festival Foundation (WRFF) announced its inaugural Honored Guests Reception to be held Saturday, September 12, 2026. The evening will include dinner, open bar, music and celebration of the 2026 Wasco Rose Festival Grand Marshals Gary and Tina Earl and Orquidea Ocampo, along with Honorary Grand Marshal organization the Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant. 23ABC News Reporter Sam Hoyle will serve as emcee for the evening’s festivities at Park Place Banquet Hall.
WRFF President Juan Gallardo stated: “We are very grateful for all who have organized this event over the years and especially to the Wasco Elk Ladies who have hosted it during our tenure as an organization. Now we are excited to take up the mantle and present our first Honored Guest Reception. This is our Foundation’s sixth Wasco Rose Festival and we remain committed to honoring our community traditions while bringing in new components. The addition of the formal dinner, guest speaker and other surprises is an example of the dedication, commitment and creativity of this team.”
The Honored Guest Reception tradition began with the second Wasco Rose Festival in 1970. In those early years, it was held in what was then called the Palm Avenue Cafetorium and hosted by the Wasco Woman’s and Wasco Junior Woman’s Clubs. Over the next three decades, locations varied from Palm Avenue to Veteran’s Memorial Hall and Valley Rose Golf Course. Some years there was no reception at all. When it was held, it was always the Honored Guest Reception except for 1972 when it was referred to as the V.I.P. Reception. At the start of the 21st Century, the event became An Evening of Wine and Roses, hosted by the Wasco Festival of Roses organization. In 2016, the Orange Heart Foundation hosted their first Wine and Roses, continuing through 2019. From 2022 to 2025, the Wasco Elk Ladies put their spin on the event at the Wasco Elks Lodge.
“We are planning a memorable evening following the festivities of the day. Be sure to enjoy all the Wasco Rose Festival has to offer then join us for dinner, a silent auction and dessert raffle at Park Place” shared WRFF Treasurer Kishna Nored. “Tickets can be purchased on our website wascorosefestival.com, beginning Wednesday, July 15. No tickets will be sold at the door, so get yours early. You will not want to miss this night!”
Wasco Rose Festival events on Saturday, September 12 include a fun run, pancake breakfast, Wasco Rose Parade, Vendor Faire, car show, student art showcase and deep pit meal. The Festival concludes Sunday, September 13, with basketball tournament championship games. Additional announcements will be forthcoming.
