About the Strutters

Mission

Preserving Tradition,
Promoting Community

The Strutters Executive Board is a volunteer civic organization of Tyler, Texas gentlemen who have orchestrated the Texas Rose Festival Parade every year since 1939 — making them one of East Texas's longest-serving community institutions.

While parade spectators cheer for lavish floats carrying the intricately adorned Rose Queen and her court, the Strutters are behind the scenes lining up more than 130 entrants — bands, marching groups, floats, dignitaries, and Shriner units — making sure one of the largest events of its kind in the region goes off without a hitch.

Beyond the parade, the Strutters are generous supporters of the Tyler Police Foundation, area first responders, the Tyler Rose Museum, and local causes throughout the year. As a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 46-3787549), every dollar raised goes back into the community.

The Strutters Executive Board — Tyler, Texas

Texas Rose Festival Parade

Our signature annual event every October — 130+ entries, the Rose Queen and her Court, and 93 years of Tyler tradition.

Crawfish Boil

Our spring fundraiser benefits the Texas Rose Parade and Tyler Area First Responders — East Texas hospitality at its finest.

Golf Tournament

Our summer charity golf scramble at Willow Brook Country Club raises funds for the parade and local community causes.

Tyler Police Foundation

Proud supporters of the Tyler Police Foundation, which provides for officers and their families in times of need.

Tyler Rose Museum

Strutters members volunteer hands-on to keep Tyler's Rose Museum alive — preserving the festival's heritage for 300,000+ visitors.

Community Volunteering

Strutters give their time throughout the year at community events across Tyler — because serving doesn't stop at parade day.

Community Involvement · 2026

Volunteering at the
Red Dirt BBQ Festival

Service to Tyler doesn't stop at the Rose Parade. In 2026, Strutters members are volunteering at the Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival — one of East Texas's most popular summer events — checking IDs and helping keep the event safe and fun for the community.

This is exactly what the Strutters are about: showing up for Tyler wherever we're needed. From the October parade to a May afternoon checking IDs at the gate, the commitment is the same.

May 9, 2026

The Park of East Texas · 204 Patton Ln., Tyler, TX 75704

Strutters volunteering for ID check / community safety

Red Dirt BBQ Festival

Tyler Community Service

Because showing up matters

"All Strutters members are volunteers — not paid staff. The red cowboy hat sticker on our cars signals our commitment to Tyler's festival tradition, and that commitment extends all year long."

100%

Volunteer-run

Year-round

Community service

Our History

86+ Years of
East Texas Tradition

Tyler earned the nickname Rose Capital of America for a reason — the city produces 75% of all U.S. commercial rose bushes. The first Texas Rose Festival parade followed naturally in October 1933, organized by rose growers and the Chamber of Commerce.

In 1936, the event was officially named the Texas Rose Festival during the Texas Centennial. Three years later, in 1939, the Strutters Executive Board was formed to take over parade logistics — a volunteer role they have held every year since, through wars, pandemics, and 93 parades.

Legal Status

Organization

Strutters Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Status

501(c)(3) Public Charity

EIN

46-3787549

IRS Ruling

2014 · All-volunteer

1933

First Texas Rose Festival Parade

Tyler Garden Club women, the Chamber of Commerce, and rose growers organized the inaugural event, crowning the first Rose Queen.

1936

Renamed Texas Rose Festival

During the Texas Centennial, the event was officially renamed, cementing its statewide identity.

1939

Strutters Executive Board Founded

A group of Tyler civic volunteers formed the Strutters and immediately took over parade coordination — a role they've held ever since.

1942–1945

Suspended for World War II

The only wartime hiatus in parade history. The Strutters resumed immediately when the war ended.

2014

501(c)(3) Status Formalized

The Strutters Charitable Foundation, Inc. received IRS recognition as a public charity, formalizing decades of community service.

2020

COVID-19 Hiatus

Only the second time in history the parade did not run. The Strutters returned in 2021 with renewed community spirit.

2026

The 93rd Texas Rose Festival Parade

Saturday, October 17, 2026. The tradition continues — organized by the Strutters, as it has been for 86+ years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Who are the Strutters?

The Strutters Executive Board is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) civic organization of Tyler, Texas gentlemen who have organized the Texas Rose Festival Parade every year since 1939. They also support local causes including the Tyler Police Foundation and area first responders.

Is the Strutters Executive Board a nonprofit?

Yes. The Strutters Charitable Foundation, Inc. is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 46-3787549), with IRS ruling status confirmed in 2014. It is an all-volunteer organization — no paid staff.

When were the Strutters founded?

The Strutters Executive Board was founded in 1939 to take over organization of the Texas Rose Festival Parade, which had been running since 1933. They have organized the parade every year since, with the only hiatuses being World War II (1942–1945) and COVID-19 (2020).

What does the red cowboy hat sticker mean?

Every Strutters member carries the red cowboy hat logo on their vehicle as a badge of membership — a signal of their commitment to Tyler's festival tradition. If you spot it on a car in Tyler, that driver is a Strutter. Learn more about the sticker.

What community causes do the Strutters support?

The Strutters support the Tyler Police Foundation, Tyler Area First Responders, the Tyler Rose Museum, and local nonprofits year-round. They also volunteer at community events including the Red Dirt BBQ Festival.

How is the Strutters organization funded?

Funding comes from event sponsorships and donations — the Crawfish Boil, Golf Tournament, and parade sponsorships. The Strutters sell sponsorships at 1X, 5X, and 10X tiers. No paid staff. All proceeds go back into the parade and community causes.

Preserving Tradition, Promoting Community