Orchids on Parade opens up Rose Festival activities

Apr. 29—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.

"God has given us a beautiful day and we are so blessed to be here and be a part of this," he said.

Mayor Todd Mobley was also in attendance to thank everyone for joining Thomasville at the 103rd Annual Rose Show and Festival.

"On behalf of the City of Thomasville, I would like to thank you for allowing us to take part in your event," Mobley said. "It's an honor to be with you celebrating the 103rd Rose Show and be here for the grand opening of the Orchids on Parade Flower Show."

Mobley commended the Thomasville Orchid Society, saying 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 add to the full lineup of events," Mobley said.

Mobley then welcomed the reigning Miss

Thomasville 2023, Savannah Taylor, and her court to cut the ribbon and officially open 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 and has grown since last year's show.

"We have about 25 members in the society at this point and we are picking up," he said gladly. "Part of picking up new members comes from this show right here."

Thomas said the Orchid Society is open to anyone, both growers and non-growers.

"We encourage those who want to come and just enjoy the fellowship," he said. "A lot of our members do have small greenhouses, but it's nothing extravagant."

All of the orchids on display were grown by society members and Thomas was extremely happy with the various genres and varieties.

"Most of the time people look at orchids, they think of the big ones or the genre known as Cattleya, but those are mostly used at celebrations and given to our intended loved ones," he said. "I'm a big fan of the ones that aren't as recognizable. Orchids comprise the single largest genre of plants in the world."

Thomas encouraged those with questions about the orchids to contact an Orchid Society member, as they look to promote membership.

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.