Eva set to bloom in Tralee

THE mother of a nine-year-old schoolgirl from Drumcondra has told of her daughter’s excitement after she was chosen to take part in this year’s Rose of Tralee festival.

Eva Waters, who attends St Columba’s School, Glasnevin, was one of 32 young girls selected out of 800 entrants to take part in the event.

Eva entered the

‘Rosebud’ colouring competition to win a place at the festival after her mother, Geraldine Waters, saw an advertisement and knew her talented daughter would be delighted with the prize.

To gain a place at the festival, Eva had to let her true colours shine in a colouring competition.

“Eva was absolutely delighted when she found out she won a place in the competition,

? Ms Waters said.

“Hundreds of young girls from all over the country entered, so Eva was extremely lucky to gain a place. It’s such a lovely thing to have happened for her as all little girls love dressing up and taking part in events.

?

Ms Waters said her daughter has all her dresses picked out for the event.

“She’s got a lot of beautiful dresses, such as a gorgeous bridesmaid dress from a wedding she attended last year. It’s not even about the dresses for us though, it’s the fact that our daughter is going to experience such a huge event.

?

Each

‘Rosebud’ selected for the festival will be teamed up with a Rose who will act as their mentor during the event. Eva will be teamed up with the Ottowa Rose who will show her the ropes.

Eva will also be attending a Jedward concert as part of her prize, and all the young

‘Rosebuds’ will be treated like royalty as they have been provided with front seats for the concert.

Over 50,000 people are expected to line the streets of Tralee to watch three spectacular parades with over 700 participants, 12 floats, 10 marching bands and, of course, the Roses and their

‘Rosebuds’.

The festival will run from August 17-21. Further details are available at roseoftralee.ie