By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
FORT PIERCE - For more than 20 years, the Fort Pierce annual orchid show and sale has entertained and educated county residents.
This year, however, is a milestone for the organization, as the Fort Pierce Orchid Society celebrates its 50th anniversary with a two-day event.
"Our anniversary falls on the very day we are having the show, Oct. 13," said Jo Tozer, one of the board members for the society. "We have about 100 members, a good group. They are all involved in setting up the club."
The theme of the orchid show and sale this year is "Falling for Orchids." The event, open to the public, will take place at the St. Lucie County Shrine Club in Fort Pierce.
"This is our major fundraiser," Ms. Tozer said. "Last year, we had a nice crowd, with people coming all the way from Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale."
In addition to orchids of every shape, color and size, there will also be orchid vendors, supply vendors, orchid displays and more. A series of raffles will have people walking away with orchids, a basket and a handmade quilt.
"We even have an orchid we named 10 years ago after Steve Weagle, a local meteorologist, who might be coming to pick to the event to pick one up," she said. "We will also have a display of all the trophies and ribbons that the members have won over the years."
The event is an American Orchid Society accredited and judged show, bringing in orchid lovers from all over the Treasure Coast.
"The flowers are judged for all kinds of things: color, clarity and even the way they are grown," Ms. Tozer said. "It's a very educational event, and you learn a lot about orchids."
The orchid show and sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 13 and 14 at the St. Lucie County Shrine Club, 4600 Oleander Ave. in Fort Pierce. Admission is $3 per person and free for children under 12.
For more information, call (772) 465-4674 or go online to www.myfpos.com.