The ABC's Of Orchids - An Exposition Of Judging

By James Ph. Kotsybar

 

     Celebrating its fourth year as an affiliated society of the AOS, the Coastal Valley Orchid Society of Lompoc launched a new pilot program for the national organization.  The event, held September 16th was called the ABC's of Orchids - an appropriate name for a public orchid exposition that focused on orchid education.

     Positive comments abounded from those that attended -- perhaps best summed up in a letter received from Dee Johnson, the President of The Central Coast Orchid Society (Cambria): 

 

     The inspiration for the exposition came during a board meeting of the Pacific South Region from Vice Chairman Jim Kotsybar, who recognized the need for a greater participation within the area they serve.  He suggested that, despite the two supplemental centers in the region that service all of Southern California, orchid hobbyists from the north end of the region (Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties) were less likely to spend an entire tank of gasoline (and the 2-5 hours travel time) to attend these meetings.  The Orchid Exposition proved his point with the participation of five orchid societies and the presentation of six AOS awards. 

     Regional Chairman Cindy Coty, explained the concept to AOS President Art Moore, who at once saw the potential benefits, and as a gesture of gratitude for this promotion of the AOS, waived the standard judging fee.  This was not a typical orchid show - there were no vendors or society sales and no admission charge- just a room full of exhibits and a curious public who wanted to learn more about how an orchid is judged.  Ms. Coty's suggestion that an auction be held at the end of the day (with plants donated by the attending judges) helped pique public interest and raised a significant donation to the region and national organization.

     Arriving visitors were treated to displays of orchid propagation, narrated by society members who could explain what they were viewing and answer questions.  Many local orchid businesses, while not represented by salespeople provided beautiful display tables filling the gallery room while members of the local societies circulated, sharing their knowledge and expertise with neophyte growers.  Those desiring more information were led to a manned information table, providing free care sheets from the AOS and informational brochures.  While the benefits of AOS membership were explained to them, the real benefit felt by the public was the sense of festive welcome provided by the affiliated societies and especially the Coastal Valley Orchid Society, host of the affair.  Three of the five participating societies signed up new members the day of the event.

     After lunch, judging commenced.  Additional clerking staff was provided from a local high school's occupational program for horticulture.  One of these students, who expressed a desire to join the judging program if it were nearer, impressed even the judges with his keen interest and astute questions. Orchid society members declared they learned more at this event than at their regular monthly meetings.

     Some of the attending judges were surprised at the number of professional growers in the area that presented plants for judging.  Many judges expressed an interest in starting a new judging center to service this area, due to the enthusiasm and public interest. All five of the participating orchid societies seconded this idea saying that they would love to bring their orchids for judging if only there was a more conveniently located center such as this, that would not require them to drive all the way to Los Angeles or further.  Several avowed interest in becoming judges themselves, provided a closer center could be set up to accommodate them,  

     As judging closed the financially successful auction began.  Auctioneer Jim Kotsybar helped to generate excitement, thanks to his knowledge as an accredited judge.  The Coastal Valley Orchid Society donated all proceeds to the Pacific South Region with the understanding that ten percent would be forwarded to the national headquarters to thank Mr. Moore for his encouragement of the event.

     Everyone's hopes were realized.  The societies ranks grew, the national AOS and local region raised funds, and the public was educated and entertained.  Other societies who feel geographically distant from their judging centers should follow this example and host similar proceedings.