Celebration of Old Roses

The Celebration of Old Roses is always held the Sunday after Mother’s Day, this year it’s on May 19th, from 11:00 to 3:30. Sponsored by the Heritage Roses Group, it’s at the El Cerrito Community Center, which is just a few blocks east of the main drag in El Cerrito (San Pablo Avenue), at 7007 Moeser Lane (cross street Ashbury Ave).  The event and parking are free, and it’s wheelchair-accessible.

The heart of the Celebration is the 100-foot display of roses — everyone from expert cultivators to garden-fanatics to hobbyists to people who just have one rose bush in their yard bring cut roses to share and show off. They’re arranged by type, so just by cruising the collection you’ll get an education in rose-ology!

In addition to the roses (including heirloom and hard-to-find roses from specialty nurseries), an array of arts and crafts and rose-related products will tempt you — just view, or  purchase if you can’t resist! You’ll find jewelry, china, books, cards, prints, calendars, honey, and much more!

I’ve had a table with my artwork and crafts at the Celebration for the past eight years. I’m going to be there with the things I make from my original photographs, rose and flower-related, including jewelry, scarves, tiles, boxes, vases, sachets, and much more!

And George always brings a vase full of the roses from our garden, and this year we’ll have his wonderful handmade soap and beeswax candles from our hives. Go to smell the roses, then stop by to say hello…  If you have any questions about the show, please email me at HeidiRand@gmail.com