The Flower Section at Sooke Fall Fair is always a crowd pleaser. Last year’s exhibits were stunning, partly due to ideal weather conditions. We often hear regrets from the public that they didn’t bring a comparable or better entry than the one displayed…so bring it in this year and win the ribbon.
Our Judges (Master Gardeners) tell us that the most common mistakes can be easily corrected if entrants read the schedule, follow the rules precisely, and have a good understanding of class descriptions (i.e. what is a spray, a spike, etc.) . In order to avoid disqualification be sure to check the definitions listed in the catalogue.
Some important tips to follow:
1. Plan ahead days or even weeks before fair time.
2. Choose the correct container(s) and be sure they are clean.
3. Ensure entry is free from bugs and free from leaf and bloom damage.
4. Ensure any mechanics used to stabilize the entry are not visible (i.e. paper, foam, etc.).
5. Bear in mind that judging is done when the judge sees the exhibit; what is cut in the evening may not appear the same the next morning.
6. Name the variety as best you can but limit the information.
7. Don’t overdo accessories where permitted.
8. When you place your entry on the table, be sure the best side is forward.
9. Bring extra specimens for those last minute accidents --they can happen!!
10. Before cutting, examine your blooms carefully--you don’t want to leave the best entry in the garden.
Helpful hints:
- Flowers should be about 1-1/2 to 2 times the height of the container.
- Cut stems a few inches longer to allow for later trimming.
- Place stems in lukewarm water after cutting then place in a cool spot several hours before showing.
Watch for the Sooke Fall Fair 2013 Catalogue available later next month.
Kelly Keys, Section Head for Flowers will have new categories this year commemorating the Sooke Fall Fair’s 100th Anniversary. The “tea cup” arrangement should be a popular class this year. And speaking of tea, come to the monthly Fall Fair Flea Market, Saturday, May 25,10-2 at the Sooke Community Hall, have a cup of tea and a crumpet or scone, find out what’s happening and become a volunteer for this very special fall fair, “Our First 100 Years.” Thanks to Carol for judging information. She will be glad to answer any of your questions and can be reached through Ida, Sooke Fall Fair President at 250-642-4110.
We need the public’s help!
In 1913 Sooke held its first Fall Fair. One hundred years later the Sooke Fall Fair is still going strong. To compile a complete history of our fair we need assistance from the public. We have most of the Sooke Fall Fair catalogues from 1950 to 2012 but are missing: 1960, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1969 and 1973. If anyone has copies of these we would like to scan them for our collection.
We are also looking for any information from 1913 to 1949; this could be pictures, entry tags, ribbons, section/class lists, trophies, prizes, newspaper articles, family stories, etc.
Over the years we have seen many trophies, many were donated by businesses and some in memory of Fall Fair volunteers or entrants. Our goal is to locate as many of these trophies as possible and record the history of the trophy. We have been quite successful in finding most of them, but some elude us.
Please contact Sandy at sookefallfairemail@gmail.com if you can help.