Amateur Floral Competition Returns To Home & Garden Show

Online, February 3, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The 2012 Central Ohio Home & Garden Show, presented by gridSMART from AEP Ohio, announced today that it will again host a Columbus District, Garden Club of Ohio, Inc., amateur floral competition. On Saturday, Feb. 25, from 1-3 p.m. a dozen of Ohio's best amateur floral designers will face-off against each other on the Telhio Credit Union Center Stage.

Typically, designers create floral arrangements at a leisurely pace at home, then bring them to events for judging. However, during this unique competition, Columbus District, Garden Club of Ohio, Inc. members will compete against each other in a timed competition with Ohio Judges Council of the Garden Club of Ohio reviewing their work. Home & Garden Show guests will watch the competition, with final arrangements and awards remaining on display throughout the eight-day run of the show.

Much like an "Iron Chef" competition, in one category, floral designers will be outfitted with the same flowers, plant materials and containers, but will use their creativity and experience to craft unique arrangements. In another category, designers will create centerpieces to coordinate with table settings. In the third, competitors have a freer hand to choose materials and containers, but still battle the clock to finish their designs. All contestants will work before a live audience and a panel of judges. After the 45-minute time allotment expires, judging takes place and winners are announced. The entire event, from the first flower selection to the award presentation, will take less than two hours.

Home & Garden Show guests will then have the opportunity to learn firsthand how to create their own beautiful floral arrangements at home during a flower arranging workshop at the show. The floral design demonstration is slated for Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 12:30 p.m. on the Telhio Credit Union Center Stage.

The 2012 Central Ohio Home & Garden Show, presented by gridSMART from AEP Ohio, begins Saturday, Feb. 25, and runs through Sunday, March 4, at the Ohio Expo Center. The show's extended hours can accommodate day trips, corporate and social groups and clubs and the after-five crowd. For 2012, show hours are: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Tuesday-Friday, noon to 9 p.m., CLOSED MONDAY, Feb. 27. Tickets are $12 at the door for adults. Special pricing includes $10 admission after 5 p.m. every day. $10 advance discount tickets available at all area Kroger stores through Feb. 24. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free. A portion of ticket sales benefits Nationwide Children's Hospital. Parking is $5. Complete show information available at www.dispatchevents.com.

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