NORWICH – As the Chenango County Fair progresses many have taken the time to visit the flower show based in the exhibition hall. Themed “An Invitation to a Wedding” and sponsored by the Garden Clubs of Chenango County, the show has impressed judges and visitors alike.
Said Flower Show Chairwoman Mary Musson, “The show is so highly rated that we are now eligible to apply for big awards, including national awards.”
The show, which is nationally federated, encompasses two different sections – horticulture and design. Musson explained that this year there was a huge turnout for horticulture as there were 206 individual entries this year. There were also 25 designers who entered stunning displays in different categories.
“This is one of the prettiest shows we've ever done,” said Marilyn Kochersperger who serves as the liaison for the show and has been involved in the fair for forty years. “It's a lot of fun... all of the four clubs worked together.”
Horticulture is a big draw for male visitors as there are many men in the area who actively garden, explained Musson. It involves submission of a single flower or plant in a bottle and all entries must register ahead of time.
Musson explained that there were some new categories in this year's show such as wrapped gift displays that incorporate dried flowers. The winner for this category featured a tiered stack of gift boxes wrapped in glossy plum-colored wrapping paper with real dried purple orchids. There was also large buffet tables that feature table settings and a flower arrangement, a bridal breakfast table for novices that have never won a blue ribbon and vignettes in which the different clubs decorated a small room with the theme of a honeymoon in faraway places (such as Ireland, Fiji, Mexico and Paris). Educational displays were also there, as well as pedestal displays called “Picture This” that had to be inspired by specific paintings.
“This year we had local businesses that exhibited,” said Musson, though explained the commercial section did not compete for a prize. Each business did bridal boutiques and other displays. Mountain View Garden drew a great deal of attention with its dress created out of succulents.
“The flower show has probably been around from the time the fair opened,” said Musson. “It has been a hit with the public of all ages. It's a very big part of the fair for a lot of people. People love it.”
Said Kochersperger when asked about her favorite part of the show, “(The winners) are so proud when they win a ribbon, it makes it all worth it.”
Yesterday the winner for People’s Choice was voted on by visitors. For more photographs of the show visit the Photo Gallery on the Evening Sun website.