Rose of Tralee: This is an international festival which is celebrated among Irish communities all over the world. The festival is held every August in the wonderful town of Tralee, (my hometown). This festival brings a huge crowd of tourists to the town every year, its good for business and good fun. Each contestant is called a Rose and given a sash with which country/place she is representing. This March I went to Ottawa to shoot their selection process. I met 6 fantastic girls all hoping to be crowned the next Ottawa Rose. I also met with the Ottawa Roses from 2009, 2010 and 2011, (all fabulous girls). The girls had a hectic weekend, early mornings to late nights but nothing to the extent of what they will experience in Ireland. They took part in the St Paddys Parade Ottawa, served tea to the elderly at St Pats, had a pancake breakfast at St Bridgets, got interviewed by judges, visited CHIN FM radio station and talked with the host Austin Comerton for 2 hrs. The selections were held at the Irish Ambassadors Residence in which Avaleigh was crowned Ottawa Rose 2012. I would like to wish Avaleigh Eastman the best of luck for her regional finals in Portlaoise on May 30th.
Below: Avaleigh Eastman
Below: Kaley Duff
Below: Ottawa Rose 2011 Kate Scott
Below: Níamh Lawlor
Below: Tess McManus
Below: Annie Duchesne
St Paddys Day Ottawa
Below: CHIN FM, The Gaelic Hour
Below: Kait Zufelt
Below: The Roses with the Irish Ambassador Mr. Ray Bassett
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