Orchid Show returning to Hilo

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Sometimes, a single word can say it all.

Sometimes, a single word can say it all.

Take orchidaceous, for example. As in: It’s going to be an orchidaceous weekend Aug. 3-5 in Hilo.

This flowery adjective is defined as 1. Of or relating to orchids, and 2. Showy.

Both meanings befit the 60th annual Hilo Orchid Society Show, to be staged at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multipurpose Stadium from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Aug. 3, at 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 4 and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 5.

Daily admission is $5, with keiki ages 12 and under admitted for free. For more information, please call 333-1852 or visit www.hiloorchidsociety.org.

Mayor Billy Kenoi has proclaimed the first week in August as “Orchid Week” in recognition of the value orchids have to the people, culture and economy of the County of Hawaii.

Noting that Hawaii Island is known as the Orchid Island, Kenoi said “the orchid industry … spreads aloha throughout the world.”

In the proclamation, the mayor encourages people to enjoy the show and the beauty of the many varieties of orchids grown on the Big Island.

The largest orchid show in the state, the Hilo event is sanctioned by the American Orchid Society, which will provide accredited orchid judges. Ribbon judging of the orchid plants will also be conducted by Hilo Orchid Society members.

The night before the show opens, the Hilo Orchid Society will present its traditional benefit Preview Party from 6-9 p.m. The Thursday, Aug. 2, gala event will feature wine and beer tasting, tea and coffee sampling, delicious catered food spreads, musical entertainment and orchid pre-sales.

Tickets for the Preview Party are $65 and proceeds benefit both the Hilo Orchid Society scholarship fund and the nonprofit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center. Get tickets in advance from The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo, Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, or by calling Julie Mitchell at 935-7844, ext. 116.

In his proclamation, Kenoi said the production of orchids is an important part of the Big Island’s economy, both in local sales as potted plants and cut flowers, and as a major export, and that Big Isle orchid exports account for more than 80 percent of all orchid plants and flowers shipped from the state of Hawaii. The orchid industry creates jobs and income, and spreads a beautiful message about Hawaii throughout the world, he said.

“I encourage our people to enjoy the 60th annual Hilo Orchid Society Show and the beauty of the many varieties of orchids grown on Hawaii Island,” said the mayor.