The 36th Annual Floral Fair was an explosion of smells and colours as all types of flowers, petals, blooms and stems were put up for scrutiny. Overall the event was hailed as an outstanding success, with 45 entries and entertaining ‘Ready Steady Flowers’ demonstrations. Ann Crasti, new President of the Parkes Floral Art Society, and Kim Baillee, Secretary of NSW Floral Art Association from Newcastle kept the audience enthralled with their floral based demonstrations and tips last Saturday and Sunday.
Judging took place on Saturday by Elsie Mahon, with Marie Rushby winning both the Kay Maxwell Perpetual Trophy and Betty & Aleks Muxycxuk Memorial Award. Life Member and past President Shirley Hunter OAM won the Most Successful Exhibitor Award taking out the Royal Horticulture Medal and Barbara Magill won the Favourite Design as voted by the audience.
According to Colleen Cusack, Publicity Officer, the exhibitors were delighted to receive the comments from the judge on the finer points of their design. “This will enable competitors to improve in futures shows” she said. Various prizes won during the event went to Elsie Mahon (Dunford Pharmacy donation); Jennifer Calvert (Lucky Door Prize
Saturday); Joy Freebrain (Raffle of box fruit); and Colleen Cusack (Lucky Door Prize Sunday).