FULL OF IMAGINATION AND COLOR: Unique arrangements were on display in a variety of vases, shoes, purses and gravy boats. 

THOMASVILLE- The Civic Garden Club opened up Saturday’s Rose Festival activities with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by their 81st annual flower show and award presentation. 

The ribbon cutting ceremony was filled with a joyful noise at the Rose City Symphonic Band played melodic tunes to welcome in the crowds and celebrate the activities. 

Director and Conductor Lisa M. Foltz thanked the Civic Garden for having the Band and allowing them to share the stage for the event. 

“It is an honor to play for you each year,” Foltz said. “It’s always a delight to play for the Civic Garden Club members, civil leaders, special guests and festival attendees.” 

The Symphonic Band played the National Anthem, before welcoming Mayor Jay Flowers to the podium. 

“It’s just amazing to think this Civic Garden Club has been here 80 years as part of the Rose Festival,” he said. “We have so many traditions that are important here in Thomasville, but this is just as important as all the traditions. We love having you here and having all the ladies and seeing all the hard work they’ve put in.” 

Flowers said he had been peeking over the Garden Club’s shoulders earlier in the morning, and the crowd was definitely in for a treat. 

“It’s really impressive to see these folks and these ladies put in all this effort under this big tent each year,” Flowers said. “It’s heart and soul and sweat and tears that go into this and growing the flowers throughout the year.” 

Following a round of applause, Civic Garden Club President, Lessie Tillman asked Co- Chair Sally Bevard to join her for an overview of the event. 

“We are pleased to be able to welcome you,” Bevard said. “Gardening is more than just a hobby; it is a lifestyle. We believe that time outside spent tending to our plants gives us priceless moments. A garden is a silent, loyal friend and a great listener. Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years. If you have never experienced the joy of cultivating more than you can imagine, plant a garden.” 

Bevard thanked everyone for their attendance and welcomed them into the show. 

Prior to entering, Tillman showcased the winners of this year’s Civic Garden Club show. 

Ruth Barnett won Best Rose, while Mary Bruning was awarded for the Best Perennial/Annual. 

Tom Faircloth won for Best Horticulture and Best Butterfly Basket. 

Bruning went on to win in several additional categories as well. She took home an award for Best Portable Garden and Best Showstopper. 

Christine Sneed won Best Walking Pump, while Tillman won for Best Welcome Wreath. 

Best Flower Purse was awarded to Pat Solomon. Doris Clark was awarded for her quilt work, placing first. 

Brenda Williams won Best Photo Shoot, while Sneed concluded the awards for Best Table Setting. 

Tillman applauded the Garden Club members for their hard work this year, and looks forward to what 2024’s Rose Show has in store.