You won’t want to miss the Friday reception at the Medley of Roses – ARS Convention & Rose Show. The theme for the reception is “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.” You may recognize the lyrics from Lynn Anderson’s 1970 legendary hit song “Rose Garden”. She won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance in 1971, and received gold certification for the record. Lisa Sutton and Melissa Hempel, Lynn’s daughters, will host the reception.
Lynn’s early life was intwined not only with music, but also with horses. She was an accomplished equestrian who competed quite successfully, earning over 700 trophies. Lynn commissioned a replica of a life-sized horse that reinforced and complimented her love of music and horses. Maverick was painted as a Palomino (at Lisa and Melissa’s grandfather’s suggestion) with beautiful pink roses inset with rhinestones. He wears Lynn’s grandmother’s gorgeous custom-made ornate silver parade saddle that is over 100 years old. When it came time to name the horse, it was Grandpa who suggested the name Maverick, after the parade horse he had in his younger days.
The convention is not Maverick’s first rodeo! You may remember him from his appearance at the 2019 Miniature Rose Convention in Franklin, Tennessee where he was quite a hit! Maverick will be a very popular photo op. The reception will not only feature Maverick, but also some of Lynn Anderson’s memorabilia and outfits as well as musical entertainment.
Be sure to include tickets for the reception when you register. If you have already registered and would like to add the reception, send an email to diane@medleyofroses.org. After the reception you will have plenty of time to go to the Friday night performance at the Grand Ole Opry.