MRS First Rose Exhibit Showcase Variety of Blooms: June 26, 2004

The Maine Rose Society’s first Rose Exhibition was held at Broadway Gardens on Saturday, June 26, 2004. In spirit of inclement weather on Saturday and a long cold winter that left many of us shovel punning our roses this spring, we had a good turn out and many very nice roses to exhibit.

Thanks to Sari Hou and Jerry Cinnamon, Joan and Roger Gotlibson, Vaughn Hardesty, Kay Buffum, Rita Lesniak, and our new members, Brenda and Wayne Patterson, we had many beautiful shrub and old garden roses. Deb Rumery, standing in for her father, Clarence Rhodes, exhibited many of his award-winning hybrid teas. In spite of the rain (yes, it rained on us again), spirits were high and many hands made light work of setting up the tables and arranging the exhibit. The staff of Broadway Gardens was very helpful and cleared a section of one of the greenhouses so that we could hold the exhibit under cover. We were next to the roses that were for sale, which added to the exhibit. While the rain undoubtedly kept many customers away from the nursery, we had many visitors who asked many questions and gave positive comments. Several visitors appeared interested in the MRS, and I believe we may have enrolled some new members.

A special thanks goes to Mr. Phil Roberts and Broadway Gardens for hosting the exhibition and their many accommodations. Considering that this was our first exhibition, I would judge it a success. However, there are undoubtedly many factors and perhaps changes that could make it better in the future. These should be discussed and decisions made regarding the future of or desire of such exhibitions.