A sea of colorful orchids showcased in artistically designed displays will fill the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines this weekend for the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society’s 66th Annual Show and Sale, “Orchid Magic.”
The nonprofit group, which is celebrating 75 years of bringing together orchid enthusiasts while providing educational opportunities and supporting conservation efforts, will haul in thousands of the delicate flowering plants from growing centers around the world.
“Our amazing show and sale will completely transform the Dodge City Center auditorium with fragrant, exotic blooms, along with elaborate vendor displays” from Friday through Sunday, show organizer Luanne Betz said.
Every year, the show has a new theme, and this time, Gretchen Denton, who serves on the board of trustees, found inspiration reading the comic novel, “Orchid Territory,” according to Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society member John Soto.
“The orchid displays are all inspired by the theme, so there will be references to ‘Orchid Magic’ within the designs,” he said.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or just want to ogle some eye-catching orchids, you can mingle with hybridizers and growers from Ecuador and Florida, including Soroa, Krull-Smith and Quest Orchids. But the orchids aren’t just pretty to look at: Sellers will have varieties available for purchase, along with gift items, books, orchid supplies, educational materials and free classes.
Attendees may purchase plants and supplies, attend free classes and participate in an auction during the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society’s Show and Sale at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel file)
New this year is the Orchid Magic Online Auction, which is running simultaneously on the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society’s website through Sunday and features items such as sports memorabilia, travel stays and a wine tasting for 20 people.
The annual show and sale is the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society’s primary fundraiser. The group’s meetings, which are open to the public, take place at 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Christ Lutheran Church Social Hall, 1955 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
“[This event] preserves orchid knowledge through the juried exhibits, free classes and expert growers on-site. It supports orchid conservation through the awareness of the Million Orchid Project and focusing on indigenous orchids.” said Soto, referring to the South Florida initiative to reintroduce native orchids.
“The orchid show is a very important event that sustains, educates and connects the orchid community in South Florida,”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society’s 66th Annual Orchid Show and Sale
WHEN: 9-11 a.m. (VIP early shopping) and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (general admission) Friday, Jan. 9; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11
WHERE: Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines
COST: $15 general admission; get $3 off by clicking the unlock button and using code SHOW26 at Ticketmaster.com; free entry for children younger than 12. VIP admission costs $40 at flos.org.
INFORMATION: flos.org
This Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society annual event has a new theme each year, and this time it’s “Orchid Magic.” (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel file)