Rose Queen (or Apple Queen, Cotton Queen or Harvest Queen) is a local or regional tradition associated with Whitsun processions or June festivals and fêtes similar to May Queen. Annual civic honorific titles are bestowed by local election to particular individuals, typically local young women.

History
It is a late Victorian invention originating from North West England. In the UK it has taken place in Cheshire, Lancashire, Northwich, and Llandudno. In 1928 it was moved to Alexandra Rose Day. In the 20th-century it expanded to Nanterre near Paris.
In America, the Rose Queen has been crowned in New York, West Virginia, and Texas Rose Festival.

Today
Popularity of the tradition has decreased over the years. Present day Queens of the Rose Parade are crowned at the annual Rose Parade, Pasadena, California, which remains a major event.
Popular saga author Katie Flynn has written a book titled The Rose Queen with the main characters as subjects of the tradition.

See also
Milk Queen
Rose of Tralee an international pageant
Walking day
English rose (epithet)

References 

Spring festivals
Holiday characters