Rose planted in Esther Short Park to honor Vancouver mayor

ESTHER SHORT — In 2021, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle was knighted as a Royal Rosarian under the grandiflora rose cherry parfait. Members of the Fort Vancouver Rose Society honored the mayor’s knighting by planting a cherry parfait rose this spring in the Esther Short Park Rose Garden. A ceremony for the rose was held May 26, where the mayor christened the rose plant with a bottle of sparkling apple juice. On behalf of the society, Fort Vancouver Rose Society Co-President Sally Rossetto also presented the mayor with a photo by prize-winning photographer Dr. Rich Baer of the cherry parfait rose. The mayor shared her appreciation for this honor and gift and gave event guests an update on the modern, wheelchair accessible children’s playground and restroom facilities to be built soon next to the rose garden. Guests also included former Mayor Royce Pollard who spoke to those gathered of the colorful early days of Esther Short Park.