So, the show has come and gone for the first time in 2 years. It was great to be able to hold the show this year, and it was our biggest and best so far. We had 710 people attend over the 2 days and the weather was mostly cooperative.
Our trade table took nearly double the amount we have sold over recent memory, incredible. David, Jayne and Jim were flat-out from the first moment. A special call out to the huge number of members who brought the great bonsai stock, tools, stands and pots. Some great new items and participants.
The raffle was a huge success. A great prize and an Australian Native. Thank you all for your contributions to help fund the club activities going forward. But there is only one winner: Rad from Brisbane won the raffle and had stayed back in the hope he would win it. He was very pleased with the prize and had a huge grin.
A GRAND DISPLAY
The standard of the display was a huge improvement compared to 2019. The work that, David, Gil, Steve, and Keith did in talking and demonstrating to the members about displays and tree preparation paid huge dividends. Many members from other clubs also commented that the bar has been raised. It was pleasing to see some members who have not displayed for a few years back again and many new members displaying trees. Let us keep it up.
It was very fitting that the best in show went to Rod who has had a rough time for the past few years and drove down from Bundaberg to attend.
Best in Show 1st Place – Rod – Juniper chinensis “procumbens”
Best in Show Highly Commended – Keith – Acer buergerianum
Presidents Choice 1st Place – Gil – Ficus obliqua
Presidents Choice Runner Up – David – Juniperus Chinensis “Shimpaku”
BCI Award – Geoff, Gil – Shohin Display Green Island Fig, Baeckea, Clerodendrum
People’s Choice – Keith – Azalea “Conles” Autumn Empress
As usual an event like this would not be possible without the volunteers. Thanks to the show sub-committee (David, Jayne, Pierre, and Bruce (Show Captain)) who laid out a clear road map and plan for success. Over the 3 days many club members were on duty to help things run smoothly. A big thank you to our honorary members Laura and Michaela who made getting into the show an easy and friendly experience. Their raffle ticket skills were a record bonus.
Thank you also to Pierre Antione and Mel B for the sausage sizzle and drinks, out in the weather even shared their small cover with a the public when the rain hit. Thank you both for your effort and resistance to rain.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR BONSAI CLUB
A very special thanks to all who helped set up and clean up including sanitizing the whole place. From signs on the highway to photographing trees and setting up displays. The rest of the committee did a wonderful job making things happen and solving any problems as they arose.