Search under way for Wicklow Rose
THE search has commenced for this year's Wicklow Rose to compete to represent the Garden County in the famed Rose of Tralee festival.
The lucky candidate will be treated like a princess and if she makes it through the regional round will be in with a chance to be crowned the 2012 Rose of Tralee with a prize package that includes a €25,000 world travel prize fund, use of a brand new car for the year, treasure trove of Newbridge jewellery and the opportunity to become an international ambassador for Co. Wicklow.
Whatever the outcome the Wicklow Rose will spend the next year as her home county's regional ambassador and will follow in the footsteps of Jennifer Cowman who wore the Wicklow sash in 2011.
'My time as the Wicklow Rose has been the most incredible year of my life.
' The opportunities that have presented themselves to me have been life changing and I have made friends for life. The events I attended were amazing fashion shows, charity events and black tie functions. I would encourage every young girl to enter the search for the Rose in every county-no matter how far you get in the process, you can be assured it will be a memorable experience,' she said.
Once selected at a gala function at the Arklow Bay Hotel on Friday, March 30 the lucky winner will progress to the regional final in Portlaoise on June 1.
To sponsor a candidate it costs €250 and application forms can be downloaded at www.roseoftralee.ie
Local businesses, sporting organisations and professional groups are invited to make their nomination as soon as possible.
This year's Wicklow Rose contest is sponsored by the Arklow Bay Hotel, Ann Gregory Design and Wicklow People.
For further information call Co. Wicklow coordinator Colette at 087 9087967 or email co.wicklowrose@gmail.com
For a taste of a local selection process then head down to Bridgewater Centre, Arklow, on February 11 where the shopping mall will be conducting live public interviews with prospective Roses from 4 p.m. who would like to be sponsored by the centre.
- DEBORAH COLEMAN
