The Rose Festival Court of 15 Princesses made their first public appearance at the annual Blessing of the Festival held Saturday April 16 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. Celebrating the return of Portland s official festival, the event included Pastor Edward Williams offering a message and blessing. A poignant ceremony recognized members of the Rose Festival Foundation, Rose Society, and Royal Rosarians lost in the past year. Following the blessing, there was a formal rose planting ceremony honoring Pastor Williams and the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.