Dear Dahlia Growers, We invite you to participate in the 16th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival, September 10th - 12th at The Bascom. This celebration of horticulture and creative expression on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau welcomes growers of all skill levels to share their dahlias with our community. This is a non-sanctioned, volunteer-run event, created in the spirit of community engagement and the joy of growing.
Entry Information
Competition Schedule (September 11–12)
There is no entry fee this year, thanks to the generosity of our festival sponsors. Participants may enter up to eight blooms.
Flower Drop-Off
Friday, September 11, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Bascom. Volunteers will be on hand to assist with registration and classification.
Judging Begins
Friday, September 11, at 12:30 p.m.
Show Opens to the Public
Friday, September 11, 3:30–5 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Judging Criteria Entries should consist of One (1) bloom per entry (no buds) Two (2) unmarred leaves, if possible. Leaves are not required. No pests or damage to the bloom. Blooms should face upward at a 45 degree angle. Display bottles will be provided. If you know the name of your bloom, please have it on hand at drop-off. This helps our volunteers complete registration and classification efficiently. All growers must remain with their blooms until registration and classification are complete.
Divisions The Single Bloom Competition has two divisions this year: Novice and Open. The novice division is new this year, open to anyone who has never exhibited in our floral competition or those who have exhibited in the last two years; participants may remain in the novice division for up to three years before moving into the open division. The open division is open to all other growers. Youth entries are welcomed and encouraged. A separate youth category ribbon will be awarded. All entries must remain on site for the duration of the Single Bloom Competition. Blooms may be picked up on Saturday, September 12, from 4–5 p.m. Any entries not collected by 5 p.m. may be shared or distributed at the festival’s discretion.