THOMASVILLE — While COVID-19 masks might still be the rule, the centennial Thomasville Rose Show and 73rd annual Rose Festival will take place the fourth week of April.

“While it is a challenge to find a balance to a safe celebration in a pandemic, the last year has taught us a great deal about safe ways we can move forward,” said Sheryl Sealy, City of Thomasville executive director of marketing and customer service.

On the evening of Thursday, April 22, Thomasville Police Department will kick off the festival with the force’s annual police inspection in downtown Thomasville.

“While we will miss the Rosebud Parade this year, we want everyone to come out and join in this event featuring Thomasville’s finest,” Sealy said.

On Friday, April 23, traditional Friday events will include Orchids on Parade, the Standard Flower Show and the Rose Show. The events will open with ribbon-cuttings. Signs encouraging social-distancing and use of hand-washing stations will be posted.

“Thomasville is Georgia’s Rose City, so we will celebrate 100 years of roses in grand style,” Sealy said.

On Friday night, the Sip and Shop event will feature street bands playing live music while participants dine and shop at downtown businesses.

Sealy said a commemorative parade will feature many larger-than-life images of the impressive floats from years past.

“Rather than sitting on the sides of Broad Street and watching the parade go by, we encourage everyone to come downtown and sip and shop while viewing these historical images,” she said.

The traditional Rose Queen float will be parked in the intersection of Broad and Jackson streets.

On Saturday, April 24,  the Rose Show, Standard Flower Show and Orchids on Parade will continue.

The Civic Garden Club Flower Show will open in a new, relocated tent near the Ritz Amphitheater.

“The Ritz Amphitheater also is where you will find the new Rose Fest Market,” Sealy said, “which will feature artisan makers with wares that celebrate roses, from rose-scented soaps, olive oils, artwork or jewelry.”

Artists with crafts items featuring roses or other floral inspiration are being sought. Applications are available at Thomasvillega.com.

The Rose City Golf Classic will tee off at Country Oaks on Saturday, and Thomasville police will conduct the department’s Show & Shine Car and Truck Show downtown.

Community workshops are planned to celebrate roses.

Saturday evening will bring another opportunity to sip, shop and enjoy downtown, complete with piped-in music bringing a festive and fun atmosphere to provide the perfect for ending to a beautiful Thomasville weekend, Sealy said.

Throughout the weekend, many visual experiences are planned — photo ops, original artwork circle signs of unique roses displayed on Broad Street, decorated storefronts, colorful and festive banners and roses, roses, roses.

Pebble Hill Plantation, Taste of Thomasville food tours, Thomasville History Center and others are planning festival events.

“We want our downtown to come alive with the beauty of roses,” Sealy said. “This is where our community can really help join in this year’s festival. If you are a floral designer or artist, we want to hear from you.”

Plans call for covering downtown in roses, she said, so help is appreciated. Contact the Visitors Center by calling (229) 227-7020 to learn how to be part of the community celebration.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820