Roses to Bloom in New York and New Jersey

The 50th anniversary of the Rose of Tralee Festival is the first year that 50 girls will compete against each other to become the 2009 Rose of Tralee. There are usually 32.

On the roses -- some of whom are Irish-born and others Irish American -- who will be chosen to represent New York and New Jersey, Stanek said, “Everyone is looking for a good representative of their own Irish community. The judges are looking for a girl who is very involved in her heritage and in her community and is very comfortable speaking about it.”

However, added Stanek, who met a bunch of the roses a few weeks ago, the competition is going to be hot this year.

“I think it is going to be a very difficult decision this year. All the girls are extremely educated, extremely well spoken and very, very pleasant girls, every single one of them,” she says.

The winning roses will each get a cash prize of $1,000, an all-expense paid trip to Ireland for 10 days of publicity and competition, a piece of Galway Crystal, a crown, a sash and, most importantly, the prestigious title of the 2009 New York or New Jersey Rose of Tralee

Looking ahead, Stanek hopes to expand the search for a New York and New Jersey rose in 2010 and hopes that Irish businesses and organizations will get on board to help promote the Rose of Tralee festival in the future.

For more information on the 2009 New Jersey/New York Rose of Tralee selection in Legends, or for tickets email njroseoftralee@optonline.net or call 201-445-0507. Tickets must be purchased before the event.

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Nster.com