Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee’s “Fiesta of Flowers”, Flower Show is over and all volunteers who have worked hard in preparations, set up & take down endeavors are enjoying the “glow” of pleasure that comes with appreciative comments from attendees and the satisfaction of having another great display of amazing, locally grown flowers and creative minds at work. There were many entering for the first time and many who came and spoke of wanting to enter next year. We have offered workshops each year, hoping to increase participation.

Statistics showed that our “single stem cut rose” division had the largest number of entries at 123 roses, the second largest division, “other single stem cut flowers” at 37 and iris with 19, bouquets and miniatures with 15 each and youth entries at 14. The smallest divisions were the “dish garden” at 7 entries, “potted plants” at 5 and “arrangements” at 8 entries. There were 243 entries in all.

Best of Show (Grand Prize) went to Mark Ortega with his variegated, orange flowered, Ambutilon potted plant. Division winners were: I Roses-Ray Lloyd (Peace), II Iris-Luanne Perez, III Other Single Stem Flower- Jack Stethem (New Zealand Tea Tree), IV Bouquets- Bene Ambrosio (white Watsonia “Brizza”), V Arrangements- Carolyn Lasky (Green Goddess Calla Lillies), VI Miniature Arrangements & Bouquets- Loni Larson, VII Potted Plant- Mark Ortega (Varigated Orange Ambutilon), VIII Dish Garden- Carmen Zermeno (succulents), IX Youth Arrangements- Katie Berber (roses in sombrero), X Youth Composition- Arielle Estrada ( collage with prose).

Many merchants & individuals gave their support by donating door raffle prizes which helps us raise funds for future shows and projects in the community. We owe them a big “thank you” and ask that people check out their stores, shop locally and express your appreciation for their involvement in the Fillmore community efforts.

Merchants donating prizes: Chivas Skin Care in Bardsdale, Cookie Lee Jewelry (Ari Larson), Diamond Realty Team (Robledo family), Elkin’s Golf Course, Fox & Hound Treasures & Antiques, Nanette Keller Clothing, Otto & Sons Nursery, Patterson’s Hardware, Vallarta Restaurant, Vic’s Tires. Merchants from Ventura that made donations were Green Thumb Nursery and Trader Joe’s. Local artists, Judy Dressler and Wana Klasen donated lovely paintings and King & King Ranch donated beautiful fruit baskets. Carolyn Lasky once again donated her special orchids.

There will be a BBQ at the King Ranch for all who volunteered in helping at the show to review the show and gain fresh perspective for next year. If you have ideas that could help us work “smarter” in promoting, providing workshops, fundraising or in any other capacity, please get your comments to Linda Nunes at 524-3021 or to Joanne King at 524-4904.

We are actively seeking people who might be interested in involvement as leaders or helpers. It is a great way to meet people and make a difference in your community!