A bugle played "First Call" over the sound system to commence the race as Rosebud Thorn and her trusty stallion, Ponyboy, galloped into the room.

"We are in the big race for the run for the roses," said Thorn, played by Coeur d'Alene Rotary Club President Candace Godwin, dressed to the nines in red jockey silks.

"I will tell you that our odds are good," Godwin said. "As you know — let me make sure I say this right — when the odds are good, the goods are odd, I'll say."

Rotary members in the Friday meeting at The Coeur d'Alene Resort laughed and enjoyed the lighthearted bit as Godwin and Ponyboy, played by Rotary Club Director Steve Roberge in a horse mask, made their big announcement.

"Today, we are kicking off the 32nd annual Rotary Rose Sale," Godwin said. "We'll see you all in the winner's circle."

The Rotary Rose Sale is an annual friendly competition among Rotarians to sell as many bouquets of long-stem red, orange, yellow and pink roses as possible until the sale ends Oct. 3.

On Oct. 21, the roses will be distributed throughout the community to brighten the days of loved ones, working professionals, those receiving services from local nonprofits and more.

In 2021, Coeur d'Alene Rotarians sold an all-time record of 1,463 dozen roses, amounting to 17,556 roses delivered to the community in one day.

“Roses have always been symbols of love, beauty and courage," said Rotarian Lucinda Ade, who, after 26 years as program chair, is in her final year leading the Rose Sale. "I can't think of a better way to represent the Coeur d'Alene Rotary Club and this beautiful place we all call home."

Proceeds from the sale support grants for local youth and civic organizations, scholarships for local students and provide for families and individuals in need. Since its inception in 1990, the Rose Sale has raised more than $1 million. Past beneficiaries include Lake City Center, St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho, the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County, Tesh, Inc., Hospice of North Idaho and the Museum of North Idaho, to name a few.

The roses will be sold directly to community members, who will have the option to have their roses donated to local charities.

"Looks like the race is on," incoming Rose Sale Chair Kim Edmondson said. "We're going to have a lot of fun in the next couple of weeks."

Roses are $30 per dozen, $22 of which is tax deductible. To order, contact any Coeur d'Alene Rotary member; Ade at 208-651-6164 or email lbade48@gmail.com; or Edmondson at cowboyupae@gmail.com or 208-691-7365.

"This is such a fabulous event and fundraiser for not only our club, but the community," Godwin said. "We've been doing this for 32 years — and we never stopped, even through the pandemic. In fact, that was one of our best years. The reason? Well, who doesn't love getting roses! But more than that, the Rose Sale allows our club to help our community."