News Summary
The Huntington Beach Civic Center welcomed a new rose, the ‘Mellow Yellow,’ planted by Miss Huntington Beach 2025, Nicole Allyson Vogt. This event, part of the city’s 60th-anniversary celebration, reinforces community traditions and supports local young women. Attended by city officials and past titleholders, the ceremony highlights the significance of the rose garden, where a rose is planted for each Miss Huntington Beach since 1963, symbolizing joy and new beginnings.
Huntington Beach, California – A New Rose in the Queen’s Garden
The Huntington Beach Civic Center’s rose garden has added a new blossom, thanks to the efforts of Nicole Allyson Vogt, the current Miss Huntington Beach for 2025. On a Friday morning, a ceremonial planting of a “Mellow Yellow” rose took place, marking a long-standing tradition in the city.
Vogt, crowned in October 2022 and the 112th queen in the history of Huntington Beach, expressed her pride in representing the community, which she described as vibrant and warm. The yellow rose she chose symbolizes joy, friendship, and new beginnings, reflecting her commitment to embodying these values as a public figure. This ceremonial planting is part of the city’s 60th-anniversary celebration, organized by the Sand Dollars of Huntington Beach, a nonprofit organization responsible for overseeing the Miss Huntington Beach scholarship and pageant program each year.
During the ceremony, Love Ghione, president of the Sand Dollars, emphasized the group’s mission to support the aspirations of young women in the community. Ghione acknowledged the contributions of treasurer April Gentry and member Andrea Roberson, who played vital roles in restoring the rose bushes to health in preparation for the event.
Community Participation and Tradition
The ceremonial event also featured the Miss Huntington Beach court, with director Marlena Guadarrama introducing Vogt and her court members. Catherine Dosier, a princess in the court, performed the national anthem, adding a touch of solemnity to the occasion. Several former titleholders were present, including Laura Sholar Roberts (1976), Elaine Bauer Keeley (1979), Stacey Jue (1995), Jena Jean Faris (2017), and Ruby Brown-Bilyeu (2024), illustrating a strong sense of community and continuity through the generations.
The tradition of planting a rose bush for each Miss Huntington Beach dates back to 1963, and has adapted over the decades. Originally, these plantings took place in various public locations until the rose garden at City Hall was established in the 1970s, where every ensuing queen’s rose has found its home. This event marks another in a long line of celebrations honoring the contributions of young women in the area.
Civic Support at the Ceremony
Current Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns attended the ceremony alongside City Council members Don Kennedy and Butch Twining, and City Clerk Lisa Lane Barnes, demonstrating the city’s support for this longstanding tradition. Mayor Burns shared his affection for roses and the historic significance of this planting ritual, further deepening the community’s connection to the ceremony. Former Mayor Lyn Semeta served as the emcee for the event, providing a familiar presence that underscored the importance of keeping traditions alive. The ceremony concluded with a catered reception at City Hall, allowing attendees to celebrate the occasion together.
Looking Ahead
The selection of the “Mellow Yellow” rose by Nicole Allyson Vogt represents not only her personal journey but also serves as a symbol of joy and unity for the residents of Huntington Beach. As she embarks on her journey as queen, the values encapsulated in this rose will continue to shine brightly for the community. The Sand Dollars of Huntington Beach look to the future with hope and excitement, reaffirming their commitment to fostering the talents and dreams of young women for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Miss Huntington Beach’s Rose Garden Turns 60
- Time Out: Best Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles
- NBC Los Angeles: Peek Inside The Huntington’s New Rose Garden
- Google Search: Miss Huntington Beach
- Wikipedia: Rose Garden
