CADDO PARISH, La (KTAL/KMSS) - For the first time, the City of Shreveport will be the owner of the American Rose Center.

The center has been the American Rose Society's headquarters for the past 50 years, but recently the society decided to split away due to financial troubles to focus on its existing membership and overall mission.

Officials with the American Rose Center told Caddo Parish Commissioners Thursday that it is better this way because they no longer have to support the society.

As the center regains its footing, the commission approved a $50,000 allocation to help the gardens host this year's Christmas in Roseland, the 42nd year of the event. The Shreveport-Bossier Tourism Bureau estimates the holiday festival has a $2 million economic impact.

Its coordinator, Marilyn Welle

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