There is an event taking place on April 21,22 that many don't know about and I think it is important to shed some light on. That weekend is the University of Illinois Mom's Weekend. A time for mom's to come down to campus, go out drinking with their kids and by some crafts, or whatever it is they do. I was on campus for many years and it wasn't until after I left that I realized there was a craft fair or any other events going on for the moms. That is except for the Horticulture Clubs Flower and Garden Show.
I could probably write a book, and in fact maybe someday I will, but in the mean time I will keep it brief.
The Horticulture Club at the University of Illinois puts on a flower show and sale every year during Mom's Weekend. The Show consists of gardens designed and built by students and then a large sales area for plants. Sounds quaint and to the approximately 8000 visitors it is. To the students planning, prepping, running, and cleaning up the show it is the culmination of a year of hard work ending in an all out week of blood, sweat and tears.
The club usually starts work sometime Tuesday or Wednesday and go non-stop until the show starts Saturday morning. I recall being at the stock pavilion(show location) until 5am on Saturday morning finishing up, getting an hour or two sleep before the show started. It always looks rough during the week, but it always comes together. Sunday is by far the best, well if you don't have to live it of course. From the time the show ends until the pavilion is back to normal it is constant tearing down and cleaning, then some late night celebration, exhausted celebration. Of course there was that one year we had early morning celebration, and the 5 of us left went out to breakfast when we finally finished. Ah the memories. Hmm I do think there is a book here. I could make tens of dollars. Well I will stop for now because I can go on. It is one hell of a training ground for the students and it tests their stamina and character to do what they are about to do.
In a mater of a few days, these scrappy kids take this
And turn it into something magnificent.
I say and will continue to say that this student run production is by far one of the greatest educational experiences I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. With the recent completion of March Madness, there was a lot of talk about performing on a national stage, or the shining moment for these athletes. Well for the students participating in the flower show, this is their shining moment, this is them performing on a grand stage. This is their trial by fire, learning how to work as a team and pull off a very complex event. It really doesn't get any better than this.
This year is the 57th flower show, and will be my 13th. If you have the time and the means please to join me down there this year. There are plenty of plants to buy, some great jazz music, and some inspiring students who are having their moment under the sun.
Always at your service,
Your Horticulturist
Your Horticulturist
No comments:
Post a Comment