Category Archives: Orchid Shows

The VAOS Annual Orchid Show and Sale is a premier event and is the largest orchid show on the west coast of Florida. It is held the first weekend of February at the Venice Community Center and draws over 4000 attendees each year.  Highlights of our annual show include:

• Thousands of blooming orchids presented in 11,000 s.f. of orchid displays and exhibits
• Local growers offering superior plants for sale
• An arts and crafts exhibit (orchid theme)
• Plant arrangements, designed by members, for sale
• Orchid supplies, books and t-shirts for sale

The VAOS invites other area orchid societies to exhibit at our show and local growers also set up exhibits.  Blooming orchids are judged by AOS judges – there are often 25-30 accredited judges participating in this major event.  Ribbon and trophy awards are given to individual plants as well as exhibits.

Show set up is on Friday and the show opens Saturday morning.  A judge’s luncheon is hosted on Saturday and VAOS members operate the kitchen all weekend with food brought in by members.

Venice area businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor our show and their donations, as well as member Patron donations, help to offset our costs. Corporate sponsors have included Publix,   Wachovia,  Astin Gardens, the Herald Tribune and area retail stores and professionals.

All VAOS members are encouraged to participate in our biggest fund raising event of the year. Areas of participation include:

• Bring in blooming plants for the VAOS exhibit
• Bring in food for the kitchen, open throughout the weekend for judges, vendors and working staff members
• Assist in kitchen
• Show  set up (Friday) and take down(Sunday)
• VAOS exhibit set up and take down
• Help with plant registration on Friday
• Clerk for AOS judges Saturday morning (a GREAT learning experience!)
• Make and sell floral arrangements
• Set up and take down arts and crafts exhibit
• Security – help to man entrances during the show
• Admissions –  collect entrance fees at the door
• Membership – Staff the membership table and recruit new members
• Sales – help with t-shirt and publication sales
• Signage – Help to post signs and flyers prior to the show
• Greeters and helpers – Welcome visitors, answer questions and provide assistance
• Corporate sponsors and patrons – Help to recruit sponsors and collect patron donations prior to the show.

Planning and preparation for our annual show begins early, in March each year. Contact the Show Chair to get involved.