Bundaberg Orchid Society celebrated 50 years of existence with its Golden Jubilee Show at the Bundaberg Civic Centre on 12 to 14 May.
Once again there was a record attendance, with more than 2500 people enjoying the show over two and a half days. There were 49 classes of orchids
benched for judging by a panel of 25 specialist orchid judges who came from all over Queensland to officiate at the show.
The event was wonderfully supported by the community with 34 local businesses providing cash prizes and vouchers for the winners.
In recognition of the society’s 50-year milestone, Bundaberg Regional Council provided use of the Civic Centre at no charge.
Mayor Jack Dempsey presented prizes to many of the winners, and some of the sponsors sent along representatives to present prizes and congratulate the
winners of their sponsored classes.
In addition to the benched orchids on display, a number of commercial growers had stands with plants and growing supplies for sale.
Other features of the show included club plants for sale; daily raffles with beautiful orchids and vouchers as prizes; freshly made posies for sale as
Mother’s Day gifts.
Throughout the show, experienced growers were on hand to offer advice and growing tips and a number of new members applied to join the Society.
Winners of the four major prizes were:
Champion Orchid – Dendrobium Fraser’s Mem. Barry Hosking, sponsored by: AIM Hearing – Owner: J and N Hoffmann – Home Club: Hervey Bay Orchid Society.
Reserve Champion – Rth Dal’s Emperor, sponsor: Cruz the Bakehouse – Owner: J and B Hughes – Home Club: Bundaberg Orchid Society.
Champion Species – Aer. Quinquevulnera, sponsor: Bank of Queensland – Owner: J Scott – Home Club: Bundaberg Orchid Society.
Specimen Plant – Ddc. Pangasinanense, sponsor: Bank of Queensland – Owner: D McKenna – Home Club: Hervey Bay Orchid Society.