Guest Judge: Jim Gremel
Setting up for the State Fair is something to see. Most people don’t know how much time and effort goes into the exhibition but if you were there Thursday night you know what it takes. Luckily for us, there are several seasoned pros who really step up and make sure everything comes together. This year we had several new faces that helped make the set up go a little easier and the exhibit has never looked better.
Jim Gremel was the visiting master and the presiding judge. There were a total of 65 trees entered for competition. This year there were 8 novices who entered 15 trees. Way to go Bonsai Basics! There were 7 people who entered 8 trees for Shohin Division and 15 people entered 42 trees in the Open Division. Como Conservatory along with several other members also exhibited trees that were not included in the judging.
AWARDS
BEST IN SHOW
Kirk H – Pitch Pine – Open division
Randy D – Kingsville boxwood – Shohin division
BEST IN DIVISION
Kirk H – Pitch Pine – Open division
Randy D – Kingsville boxwood – Shohin division
Norma A – Buttonwood – Shoji display division
Gay W – Kingsville boxwood – Boxwood division
Melinda H – Garden juniper – Novice division
Jeff L – English ivy – Tropical division
Jeff L – Ponderosa pine – Minnesota hardy
Award of Merit
Terry D – Trident maple
Bob H – Japanese black pine
Kirk H – Pitch Pine
Norma A – Buttonwood
Bob H – Hinoki cypress
There were a total of 51 ribbons awarded.
Congratulations!
Thanks to everyone who helped with set up, tear down, brought trees to exhibit, manned the viewing area and gave demonstrations. Special thanks to Cheryl and Bill for their tireless efforts to make sure the State Fair is such a success. Their hard work and dedication is deeply appreciated.
It’s never too early to start planning for the 2011 State fair. Start evaluating trees, plan on a master’s workshop to refine the style, find an exhibition pot, decide on the perfect stand and starting thinking about companion plants or viewing stands. Your name could be on this list next year!!!