One of the very few judged horticultural shows in Saskatchewan this year, Kamsack’s, held Aug. 12, made its judge “very, very pleased.”
Karen Pfeifer of Kamsack, the judges’ co-ordinator for the Saskatchewan Horticulture Association and judge of the Kamsack show, acknowledged that the number of entries was down about 100 from past years, due basically to the COVID-19 interruption. Also because of the pandemic, many communities in the province, rather than have judged shows, merely have garden displays.
“Once you stop doing something, it’s hard to get back into the routine,” Pfeifer, said following the Kamsack show, which was one of the few judged shows held in the province this summer.
The quality of the exhibits, in some cases, was less than the norm, but that is because of the weather, she said, explaining that at Kamsack rain was sporadic and the intense heat had caused many plants to go to seed faster than normal.
“As judges we have to take that into account,” she said, adding that she and members of the Kamsack Horticultural Society are very pleased to have seen the large number of people who came to the show to see the exhibits, to enjoy pie and coffee, and to participate in the rainbow auction.
Pfeifer said she was surprised to have seen as many lilies as she did because most of the lilies were done by now, and similarly, the roses on display were surprising because not many were left in the garden by the time of the show.
The Society has decided to open its annual horticultural show to the public so that henceforward one need not be a member in order to exhibit items in the show, she said.
“I’ve heard many people say that if they had known that this year’s show was also open to the public they would have submitted entries,” she said. “A person from Brandon, Man., said she would like to enter items next year. If people from other communities enter exhibits, that brings more people to town.
“We have more and more young gardeners in this community, so we’d like to see more of them learn how to enter exhibits.”
The Kamsack show has been opened to so many more categories other than flowers, fruit and vegetables and includes baking, preserving and crafts.
The show has a category for almost everyone, she said. “It’s a fun thing.
“Once a gardener or cook, or crafter gets a ribbon, they’re hooked.”
A total of 12 district gardeners entered 197 exhibits in this year’s show.
With 130 points, Vicky Koreluik was named grand aggregate winner, while Eleanor Lenderbeck, with 121 points, placed second, and Cindy Koreluik, with 82 points, placed third.
Receiving most points in various categories were:
- Denise Hellegards, houseplants;
- Eleanor Lenderbeck and Vicky Koreluik, annuals;
- Eleanor Lenderbeck, perennials;
- June Chernoff and Marie Hudye, sweet peas;
- Cindy Koreluik, dahlias;
- Marie Hudye, roses;
- Vicky Koreluik, gladiolas;
- Eleanor Lenderbeck, floral art and flower arranging;
- Vicky Koreluik, fruit;
- Cindy Koreluik, vegetables;
- Grayson Dix, juniors, and
- Alva Beauchamp, concoctions.
