With an outstanding Grand Marshal, the traditional Rose Queen pageant and a colorful Rose Parade as the main events, Wasco celebrated its 41st Annual Festival of Roses on Sept. 10-12.

The Rose Festival commenced with 12 young women competing for the crown and the Rose Queen 2009 title on the evening of Sept. 10.

The contestants began entertaining the crowd and showing their talent by dancing as a group to parts of musicals such as “Grease,” “Summer Stock” and “Hairspray.”

The ladies had the chance to shine on the stage of the Wasco High School auditorium before a loud and excited crowd that never stopped cheering for their favorite ones. Channel 17 news anchor Kiyoshi Tomono was the master of ceremonies.

“This is my second year in Wasco doing this, and I’m really happy to be here,” Tomono said to the people present.

During the ceremony, Rose Queen 2008, Briseira Gonzalez, introduced the contestants and their escorts.

Later, they had the chance to demonstrate their personal talents with a variety of shows that ranged from guitar and piano solos, dancing, singing and acting.

Another important part of the competition was the traditional question to each of the contestants. Each young lady had to answer a question regarding Wasco as community and their values.

After the judges deliberated, the awards and the winners were announced.

Stephanie Valdivia was awarded Miss Congeniality, Mayra Gomez took the scholastic award, and Carly Bozarth won talent and finished as second runner-up. Daniely Mendoza was first runner-up.

The crown was for Samantha Saldana who stayed paralyzed for a moment when she heard her name as the winner. “I was very shocked. I was smiling, and it took me a while to realize it was me,” said Saldana, Wasco Rose Queen 2009.

Along with the new Rose Queen, another lady shined during the Rose Parade on Sept. 12.

Miriam Grisso, an educator and band director of three different school bands in Wasco, presided as Grand Marshal.

“It was part of the morning announcements at school so I was very surprised to hear it,” said Grisso, referring to her nomination for Rose Parade Grand Marshal. “I just couldn’t believe it. It’s such an honor.”

Grisso decided that she would not ride a car and just wave to the people watching the parade. She instead marched along her band, the Thomas Jefferson Cougar Band, directing and greeting the people.

“I play all instruments, but my main instruments are flute and piccolo,” said Grisso who has marched at the parade for the last 25 years.

Grisso not only won the admiration and affection from the people, she also won first place with her classic automobile, a 1931 Ford A model.

Also present at the parade were Wasco’s Mayor Fred West Jr., and Jim Costa, congressman.

Wasco’s Festival of Roses is celebrated every year since 1969. The celebration takes place on the first weekend after Labor Day.