Ocean City Flower Show Set for Friday to Sunday

The celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with a three-day display on the .

Show hours are:

• 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 1
• 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 2
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 3
• The Trade Fair on the Pavilion features flower products for sale 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

"The Ocean City Flower Show is a testament to volunteerism in Ocean City," Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer said. "The popular event was initiated 40 years ago in 1972 through the efforts of the late, legendary businessman James F. Penland."

"He convinced then Mayor B. Thomas Waldman that a Flower Show would be good for the city. Waldman agreed and provided City resources to make the event possible."

"But the show could never have been held without the assistance and expertise of the Garden Club of Ocean City," Soifer said. "Penland realized this and solicited the help of the group who have been running the event to this day. They are all volunteers."

The first show was called the Flower Art Show. Penland sat in the middle of the aAuditorium and painted pictures of flowers the entire three days. This weekend, members of the Ocean City Fine Arts League and Ocean City Arts Center will display paintings at the Music Pier in tribute to Penland to whom the show is dedicated.

The Club is also honoring retiring chairman Frank Leone and Dr. Tom Brown, who have made major contributions to the Flower Show over the years.

An array of Artistic Design and Horticultural Displays with tables of orchids, roses, African violets, hanging baskets, bulbs, herbs and much more will be featured. Competitors vie for prizes. There is a special competition for juniors up to 16 years of age. All competitors are amateur green-thumbers. There are special displays by professionals who are not eligible for awards.

"The Flower Show costs the city little to nothing as the Club produces an advertising book, collects voluntary donations at the door and runs a commercial trade fair," Soifer said. "The money is donated to the city."