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Petal Power
Written By: Wiley Sloan | Issue: 2016/11 - November
Starting a new event in the Highlands area can sometimes feel like walking on thin ice, but Joyce Franklin used her persuasive nature and unending enthusiasm to convince her friends at the Highlands Historical Society that they should join the organizing committee. Through a concerted team effort, the Dazzling Dahlia Festival has grown larger each year.
In 2016, there were 322 blossoms entered by 41 energetic gardeners. Jimmy Evans won Best of Show for his decorative dahlias, and won a ribbon for each of the other five entries that he made. Jimmy has been growing dahlias in his mother’s garden for years. He inherited his love of these gorgeous flowers from his mother who had grown the flowers for more than two decades before that. Other talented growers filled the hall with a wide variety of blossoms that drew more than 281 visitors to the Civic Center on Saturday afternoon. This was the largest turnout that the show has enjoyed.
This increased excitement from the general public also was evident at the lecture by well-known local horticulturist Jodie Zahner. Jodie and her husband Jeff are well known for their knowledge of mountain terrain and what it takes for plants to thrive in this environment. Ruth Claiborne shared her secrets on how to create beautiful dahlia arrangements. A tip of the hat goes to Lesley Jeffery who donated a picture of the “Dahlia Queen Bear.” Guests vied passionately to win the raffle for this beautiful piece of art.
Earlier in the week, Historical Society supporters gathered at the Highlands Falls Country Club for the Festival Patron’s Party. The venues have varied each year with one setting being an outdoor garden event, another at The Old Edwards Inn’s Farm and the last two years the Highlands Country Club. Lively music and delicious food are combined with popular beverages to create a much-anticipated event. The Dahlia Festival is the major fund-raising event for the Highlands Historical Society. All funds raised underwrite the society’s many programs, plus provide funds for the maintenance and restoration of The Prince House (Highlands’ oldest residence within the town limits) and the Historic Museum. Thanks to everyone who made this event such a resounding success – the many volunteers, the dahlia growers who so generously shared their blossoms, and the many guests who came to view the beautiful flowers.
Plans are already under way for next year’s event. Watch for the details as they are announced.
