Professional Gardeners Invited to Set the Hall of Flowers Scene

Professional Gardeners or Set Designers? This year they are one and the same when it comes to creating the 2016 themed flower show at the Sonoma County Fair. Garden plots are expected to fill quickly inside the Hall of Flowers for this year’s highly anticipated theme, based on movies made in Sonoma County. These exhibits will be showcased for the entire run of the Sonoma County Fair, hosting more than 300,000 visitors for 15 days of fun.

This year’s Hall of Flowers theme “Sonoma Cinemas” brings to life many favorite movies such as: 1943-Shadow of a Doubt, 1963-The Birds, 1973-American Graffiti, 1985-The Goonies, 1986-Peggy Sue Got Married, 1995-A Walk in the Clouds, 2001-The Man Who Wasn’t There and 2008-Bottle Shock.

“The high quality of our professional garden exhibitors is one of the main reasons fairgoers come back year after year.” Says Greg Duncan, Hall of Flowers Designer, “Their beautiful flowers and the attention to detail in keeping with each year’s theme creates a spectacular show."

Not only is this a great opportunity for local professionals to showcase their talent, there’s an opportunity to win big bucks, too. Cash prizes are awarded to each gardener based on square footage of their garden plot; first place winners will receive $9.00 per square foot. Plots range in size depending on layout and location in the building. $5,000 in additional price money is also up for grabs. Participants compete for special bonuses awarded for best use of color, certain flower types, props and theme expression. Winners will be announced at the Hall of Flowers Preview Party on Thursday, July 21. Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to sell their plant and landscape materials during the huge after Fair public plant sale.

The competition is open to nurseries, landscape architects and professional gardeners. To find out more about how to become a garden exhibitor, please contact the Entry Office at 545-4203. Potential exhibitors must attend a mandatory garden selection meeting on Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 PM. On-site garden work begins in July, and all gardens must be completed by July 20. The Sonoma County Fair opens Friday, July 22 and runs through Sunday, August 7. The Fair is closed Mondays.

Questions? Contact the Sonoma County Fair’s Entry Office at (707) 545-4203, or visit them at 1350 Bennett Valley Road in Santa Rosa. To find out more about the 2016 Sonoma County Fair, "Lights, Camera, Fair!" visit SonomaCountyFair.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.