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RAINFOREST ORCHID FANTASY
AT THE BAYANIHAN ARTS AND EVENTS CENTER
 You know the
way to the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center where once
again, the Tampa Bay Orchid Society will host
Hillsborough County’s largest indoor flower show. The
show has given special recognition to the center by
bringing in many visitors who may have not had a chance
to see the beautiful facility put to one of its most
beautiful uses, displaying one of our favorite plants,
the orchid.
To see the
best of the best when it comes to orchids, you won’t be
disappointed March 7, 8, 9, 2008 when you walk into the
main ballroom with the exhibits using orchids to reflect
the “Rainforest Orchid Fantasy” theme of this year’s
show. Your ballroom comes alive with unique props,
brilliant colors and the highest quality of orchids. The
wide eyed looks on visitors’ faces as they walk from the
chandeliered foyers into the main display area are like
children seeing their first fluff of cotton candy.
On Saturday
and Sunday, you can see the glitter of trophies
presented to the highest quality orchids after the
judging Friday evening by the American Orchid Society
Judges. Judges will study the field of orchids to
determine the winners of ribbons in each category plus
the best of the Paphiopedilum, Cattleya, Ludisia,
Oncidium, Vanda, Dendrobium, Bulbophyllum, and
Epidendrum for special crystal trophies. . Some of the
orchids on display may also receive the coveted AOS
award that is then recorded in a permanent record used
forever to judge similar orchids across the entire
country. One exhibitor of the numerous 100 foot displays
of beautiful blooming orchids may even receive the AOS
show trophy, recognizing the best display of all of
those in the show. Members of the public will get to put
in their votes for their favorite display with the
winner announced at the end of show.
Anyone who
would like to enter an orchid for judging should bring
it to the Bayanihan Arts and Events center on Friday,
March 7, 2008 between 10 AM and 2:00 PM. There is no fee
to enter an orchid in the show although exhibitors need
to have them groomed and disease free. The past two
years, members of the PCFI have been winners of several
ribbons.
For those of
you who want to get your first orchid or add to your
collection there are quality orchids available from
reputable vendors who have orchids known to do well in
Florida. Specialists will be on hand to answer questions
as to the best choices for the environment in which you
want to grow your orchids.
You can even
bring in your own orchids to have them repotted on the
verandah. Enjoy refreshments while listening to orchid
experts give growing tips for growing them inside or out
and learn the do’s and don’ts of orchid growing by
visiting the Dr. Orchid booth or by attending the
presentations on repotting, pests and diseases, natural
pest control, varieties of orchids, mounting orchids on
bark, and beginning orchid growing.
Everyone
visiting the show gets a free memento with their $4 paid
admission that also includes an hourly orchid raffle,
lectures, the show and parking.
Get a quick
photo taken at the photo booth with your orchid, your
friends, or both. Celebrities of 970 WFLA, Stan
DeFrietas, author of Florida Gardening and Mark Govan,
the Plumeria expert, were present at last year’s show
where the staff at the photo booth captured their charm
as they met with visitors.
Take someone
home a gift of orchid books, magnets, or paintings along
with the real orchids you’ll only find here.
The show is
located in Northwest Hillsborough County at 14301 Nine
Eagles Drive in Tampa. Take the Veterans Expressway or
Suncoast Parkway to Linebaugh Avenue. Travel West to
Racetrack Road and head north. The center will be
approximately 1 mile north just West of Racetrack Road
and Countryway Blvd.
The show
runs from Friday March 7 through Sunday March 9, 2008.
Hours are Friday 10 AM-5PM, Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and
Sunday, 10 AM to 4PM. For more information go to
Tampabayorchidsociety.com or e-mail tbos1st@gmail.com or
call (813)310-7676
(The Tampa Bay Orchid Society is a Not for Profit
Corporation in Florida) |
