Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners are gearing up for the 2024 Flower Show, happening at the Orleans County 4-H Fair July 22 through 27. The Flower Show will once again be showcased next to the Master Gardener booth in the Lartz Building. Anyone in the community can enter an exhibit in one of eight categories – Fairy Garden, Floral Arrangement, Houseplant, Succulent, Unique Container, Hanging Basket/Urn/Pot, Garden Accent, and Miscellaneous.
A small group of Master Gardeners revived the Flower Show last year, with a great turnout. This year, exhibitors bring their entries to the fairgrounds either Sunday, July 21, between 3 and 6 p.m., or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 22. Master Gardeners assign each entry a number and then arrange the entries according to category. Voting is by paper ballot, with fairgoers choosing their favorites in each category and submitting their votes at the Master Gardener booth. Ribbons for first, second, and third place are awarded for each category, and there will be prizes for the top three entries that receive the most “Best in Show” votes.
Master Gardeners are hoping for an even bigger Flower Show this year. They are encouraging anyone in the general public to enter anything garden-related that they are particularly proud of. From a favorite houseplant to a cut flower bouquet, an original painting or garden photograph, there’s a category for almost everything. Exhibitors can enter up to three items in each category. As an added bonus, each exhibitor will receive one free week-long admission pass to the fair. (Only one free pass per person, regardless of how many entries submitted).
Exhibitors must submit a paper entry form indicating quantity and category of submissions. The paper entry forms must be received in the Orleans County CCE office by Monday, July 15. Paper entry forms as well as all rules and guidelines can be found on the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension website (https://tinyurl.com/c9kdmtry). The paper entry forms allow Master Gardeners to plan for adequate space and display materials prior to the start of fair. Actual Flower Show submissions will only be received Sunday and Monday, July 21 and 22, before the fair opens to the public
Email klo54@cornell.edu or call 585-798-4265 ext 125 with any questions.
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