THOMASVILLE — The City of Thomasville’s 100th Annual Rose Show and Festival will continue on Saturday, April 24, with a severe weather plan in place. 

“We’ve been monitoring the weather closely to make a decision that’s safe for our event guests, vendors, and others,” said Sheryl Sealy, executive director of Marketing and Customer Service. “Severe weather in our area has made it necessary to change our plans slightly, however, the event will continue in a modified manner to facilitate the safety of everyone.”

On Saturday, Orchids on Parade will continue in the Municipal Building, 144 East Jackson Street, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Standard Flower Show will be held at the Garden Center at 1102 South Broad St. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Weather permitting, the Rose Show tent will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the intersection of Remington Avenue and Broad Street. However, if the weather conditions become too severe to safely continue, the Queen and her court (the winning roses) of the 100th Annual Rose Show will be on display in the Visitors Center at 144 East Jackson Street. 

“We wanted to give event attendees an opportunity to enjoy this year’s Rose Show winning entries, no matter what the weather,” Sealy said.

“Our big changes are for the Civic Garden Club Show and the Rose Fest Market,” said Madison Eaton, special events coordinator. “These events are an important part of the festival that we are eager to relocate indoors to safer locations due to weather.” 

The Civic Garden Club Show will now be held in the old Live Young building, 235 West Jackson St., from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Rose Fest Market artisan vendors will be relocated to the old Leap Frogz building, 336 West Jackson St. Food trucks will still be available in The Ritz Amphitheater and Park at 131 South Stevens Street.

“The majority of our events will continue as planned, such as Roses in Restaurants, and some, like the Show and Shine Car and Truck Show, will be held outdoors for as long as it is safe to do so,” Sealy said. “While we had hoped to continue with our original plans, the weather makes it necessary to change course. We are excited to be able to offer our locals and visitors alike the 100th Annual Rose Show and Festival events in a slightly modified manner.”

“This is an historic year for the Festival,” said Eaton. “Downtown shops and restaurants are eager to welcome guests this weekend. Through the support of our merchants, community and event partners, we will still be able to present a memorable Rose Show and Festival.”

Event updates will be posted on the Downtown Thomasville Facebook page. For more information, call the Visitors Center at 229-228-7977.