It's been an annual holiday event for 41 years, but 2024 may have been the last.
The American Rose Center in Greenwood has been turned into a winter wonderland for the annual Christmas in Roseland since 1983. The event features thousands of lights, performing arts, a Christmas market and fireworks,
But the lack of funding may mean the end of this major Christmas event.
A spokesperson from the American Rose Center briefed the Caddo Commission yesterday and advised that the center's budget did not have the needed $125,000 in funds to present Christmas in Roseland this year.
The spokesperson said a funding source must be identified by month's end. Preparations for the event begin in October for the Thanksgiving opening. Major expenses are incurred for labor, refurbishing of lights and displays, setting up the children's train, fireworks and additional utility costs.
Last year the income from the festival approximated the needed funding of $125,000. So the event did not net any income to the Rose Center.
Many members of the Commission expressed concern over the possible end of this event, and some offered to meet with Rose Center personnel to discuss options. Any funding by the Commission will require extraordinary votes to meet the Center's September 30 deadline.