THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville Rose Show and Festival kicked off on Friday morning with a ribbon cutting at the Orchids on Parade display, located inside the Municipal Building.

Michael Thomas, Vice-President of the Thomasville Orchid Society, welcomed the crowd to the show.

“It’s a beautiful display and we are so glad to be a part of the Rose Festival,” he said.

Mayor Pro-Tem Todd Mobley was also in attendance to thank everyone for joining Thomasville at the 102nd Annual Rose Show and Festival.

“On behalf of the City Council, I would like to thank you for taking part in this exciting event,” Mobley said. “It’s an honor being here, celebrating the 102nd Annual Rose Show and Festival and Orchids on Parade Flower Show.”

Mobley commended the Thomasville Orchid Society, as he said he knows it takes hours for a flower show to come to life.

“I want to personally thank all the Orchids on Parade members for all they do, and for adding this unique flower show into the full lineup of events,” Mobley said.

Mobley then welcomed the reigning Miss Thomasville 2022, Aniya Morris, and her court to cut the ribbon and officially open the The Thomasville Rose Show and Festival.

While guests enjoyed viewing the orchids, Thomas explained that the Thomasville Orchid Society is made up of members from varying gardening backgrounds.

“We have about 20 folks and it’s pretty impressive when you get around them,” he said. “Most people don’t know much about orchids, but even I’ve learned the different types of orchids and where they grow.”

Thomas shared that there is a common misconception that orchids are hard to grow, but they actually are relatively simple, if gardeners use nature at their disposal.

Thomas said he was most excited for those in attendance to see the different varieties of orchids on display, including the Cattleya, which is the most commonly thought of, but also the Phalaenopsis and Vandas.

“That’s what impresses me is all the different variations that God has provided for us,” he said. “It is just beautiful.”

Thomas encouraged anyone who took a special interest in the orchids to join the Society at their next meeting.

The Thomasville Orchid Society meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Dawson Street Methodist Church, located at 1132 N. Dawson St.