RC: The flower show began in 1922 when Maude Taylor wanted a distraction from a feuding community. The Coronado Floral Association was born with the task of producing and managing the Flower Show. Maude’s husband Harold was the Association’s first president and held the position for the next ten years. Except for three years during WW II, the Show has been a popular Coronado event ever since.
Read the entire history at: http://www.coronadofloralassoc.org/history.htm
eC: Why should Coronado residents and visitors get excited about this show?
RC: One of the Show’s purposes is to educate the community, stimulate the interest in horticulture and floral design and to provide an outlet for creative expression. We go a step further beyond the boundaries of the tents. We provide an incentive for the entire community to get involved by evaluating the entire Community Landscapes. As part of the Flower Show we send out volunteer judges to evaluate Home Fronts, Commercial Fronts, Church Grounds, Condos & Apartment Fronts, School Gardens and Municipal Grounds. The results are published in the Eagle/Journal in the issue prior to the opening of the Flower Show.
eC: eCoronado.com has learned that there will be a ‘Beer Garden’ for the first time this year. Beer and flowers? Please explain!
RC: As best we can determine, this year, for the first time ever, the Flower Show will feature a Beer Garden inside the tents. We’re hoping to attract more visitors. We think this will provide some extra motivation for folks to bring along a friend or partner who would not otherwise be inclined to attend the Show. Beer and wine will be available from 1 to 5 pm on Saturday and from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday. Coronado Brewing Company will provide several styles of beer and Coronado Pizza and Greek Grill will supply both white and red wine.
eC: What is required for a Coronado home to participate in this year’s event? When are the due dates?
RC: Community judging starts Monday, 4 April and runs through the week. Participation is automatic. Every home, condo, apartment, church, school and municipal building in the Village and the Cays will be judged. We are proud of our over 120 volunteer judges who participate each year with the City’s annual spring cleaning.
eC: Who judges the home fronts? Is it too late to join as a volunteer?
RC: It’s NOT too late to join our team. Right now we need ten more volunteers for this year’s judging. Call me (Rob Crenshaw) at 619.435.3749 or email [email protected]. Our adult judges come from all walks of life. We will provide a short indoctrination, provide you with a judging packet and be available for assistance with any issue that comes up.
eC: How much does it cost to attend? Where can folks learn more or buy tickets?
RC: The Flower Show is produced and managed by the Coronado Floral Association (CFA). We are currently conducting a membership drive. Membership is only $25 annually. As a CFA member, you are entitled to FREE entry into the Flower Show for two adults. Children under 12 are also FREE. Entry into the Flower Show for non-CFA members is $5. For further details about membership and a listing of benefits visit:
http://www.coronadofloralassoc.org/membership.htm
eC: How and why are you connected to this event?
RC: My wife Laura has been close to the Floral Association and the Coronado Flower Show for decades. Among other organizations she’s a member of both of the Coronado garden clubs; the Bridge and Bay Garden Club and the Crown Garden Club. Her love and dedication to these organizations has rubbed off on me and has attracted me to a fantastic team of beautiful, talented, community-minded people. Additionally, we get to work with a crack team of fine professionals from the City of Coronado, without whom this Show would be a bust.
Rob and Laura Crenshaw (Co-Chairs last year) pose at the Coronado Flower Show held in Spreckels Park.
RC: I favor Bonsai and Hon Non Bo. They represent harmony, peace and prosperity. They foster patience and calmness. To learn about this art please visit the Bonsai Section often and soak-in the fascinating lectures from the best of the best.
To find out more about the Flower Show on April 16-17th and get a schedule click here.
Admission is $5; with children 12 and under and Coronado Floral Association members admitted free. There is no charge to enter the show, and first-timers are welcome. Plant drop-offs are Saturday morning along C Avenue.
Show dates are April 16-17th. Show hours are 1 – 5 pm. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, with trophy presentation at 3 p.m. Sunday. An evening party will be held Saturday evening.
