St Elizabeth flower show going 50 years strong

Launtia Cuff, Gleaner Writer

For 50 years, the St Elizabeth Horticultural Society has entertained residents on Easter Monday with a flower show.

The first flower show was held on April 15, 1963, at Independence Park, Black River, and since then the shows have been held on Easter Monday each year at the same venue.

Over the years, the show has grown in popularity, and is attended not only by St Elizabeth residents, but many from other parishes, including members of other horticultural societies and persons from overseas.

This year, the show was held under the theme 'Our Beautiful Parish'.

"The idea is that most of our members display their plants and then we have judges that come along and judge our displays," said Steve Daley, president of the St Elizabeth Horticultural Society.

FLOWERS ON SALE

In addition to the flower show, plant lovers were able to purchase flowers, vegetables, trees, and many other products from various gardeners who attended the show to sell their items.

Daley added that it was the aim of the society to get individuals interested in gardening from an early age so that the tradition could continue.

"We in the society are getting a little bit old now, or up in age I would say, and our main focus is to try to get to the schools, to see if we can get the younger generation to start coming into the flower world. In order to keep growing in strength, we need young blood in our movement.

"As a youngster, I can remember that was something I was used to do because we used to have what you call our small cabbage patch where you grow your tomatoes, scallions, onions, and, of course, cabbage," Daley said.

Along with the beautiful displays at the flower show, there were activities for the entire family, with many attractions and live entertainment.

Each year, the proceeds the society receives are donated to a charitable cause.