Dear Dahlia Growers, Dazzling
We are delighted to invite you to participate in the 15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival, to be held September 4-6 at The Bascom. A cherished tradition on the Plateau, this celebration of horticulture, community, and creative expression welcomes growers of all skill levels to share their passion for dahlias with our community.
Single Bloom Competition - Details for Growers
Entry Information:
Registration Fee: $5 per bloom, $10 for three blooms, and $20 for up to eight blooms.
Divisions: Amateur and Professional, with separate judging categories. There is also a special category for Youth (age 17 and under).
Awards: Best of Show in both divisions will recieve a $100 cash prize.
Important: All entries must remain on site for the duration of the Single Bloom Competition. Blooms may be picked up on Saturday, September 6, from 4-5pm. Any entries not collected by 5pm may be shared or distributed at the festival’s discretion.
Judging Criteria:
Entries should consist of:
- One (1) bloom per entry (no buds)
- Two (2) unmarred leaves, if possible
- No pests or damage to the bloom
- Blooms shouls face upward or outward
- Display bottles will be provided
- Classification is required: All growers must remain with their blooms until registration and classification are complete.
Categories Include:
- Decorative Formal
- Decorative Informal
- Anemone & Collarette
- PomPom & Ball
- Cactus & Semi-Cactus
- Laciniated
- Dinner Plate
- Arranged
- Youth (up to age 17)
- Miscellaneous (Single, Peony, Mignon, Orchid, Stellar, Waterlily)
This is a non-sanctioned, volunteer-run event, created in the spirit of community engagement and the joy of growing.
Competition Schedule (September 5-6):
Flower Drop-off: Friday, September 5, from 8am-12pm at The Bascom. Volunteers will be on hand to assist with registration and classification.
Judging Begins: Friday, September 5, at 12:30pm
Show Opens to Public: Friday, September 5, 3:30-5pm, and Saturday, September 6, 10am-4pm.
Last Year’s Best of Show Winners:
Amateur Division: Bianca Mitchell, for her Laciniated Dahlia “Encore.”
Professional Division: Tim Wheatley of Mountain Diva Gardens, for his Mini Formal Decorative Dahlia “KA’s Rosie Jo.”
We look forward to seeing your beautiful blooms!
Festival Highlights:
In addition to the Single Bloom Competition, we invite you to enjoy the full Dahlia Festival experience. Please see the attached press release for complete information about the festival programming.
Thank you for being a part of this special event. Your participation helps create a truly dazzling display for visitors. We look forward to celebrating the beauty and joy of dahlias with you! 323 Franklin Road