The 84th annual Bradner Flower Show is almost here and it has an exciting line-up and something very different for this year’s show. The theme is “Gourmet in the Garden” and along with the hundreds of varieties of daffodils, tulips and gorgeous flowers organizers plan to “kick it up a notch” by bringing in a few chefs and even a couple of local wineries to do presentations.
Friday at 2 p.m. the Bradner Elementary Hand Bell Choir and author, chef, Global TV and CKNW radio regular Caren McSherry will be special guests to open the show.
On Saturday the show will feature demonstrations from Mt. Lehman Winery, Lotusland Vineyards, Seasonal Experience and Brambles Bistro.
On Sunday the show will have much more, including chef, Vancouver Sun food columnist and TV personality Nathan Fong, cooking up something special at 2 p.m.
There is a huge variety of demonstrations and information, from the fabulous Kerry Proudfoot and her magnificent confectionary creations (Friday at 3 p.m.), to Mike Campbell of Campbell’s Gold, to Jeremy Pitchford of Glen Valley Organic Cooperative, who will teach us about growing organically.
Bert the Mole Man will also be on hand with some great advice on how to get rid of those messy pests.
Jasmine Marjanovic, better known as “Cranberries Naturally,” who recently returned from Los Angeles where her items were chosen for the goodie bags at the Oscars will also be on hand with many of her great products.
There will also be lots to see and buy under the school’s covered area and do not forget to visit the school gymnasium on Saturday and Sunday, where there is a huge variety of items on display and for sale. And at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. enjoy a Tai Chi presentation by Tadeus Kuczynski.
New this year, will be a competition for artists. All Flower Show guests will be given a ballot and will be able to vote for their favourite painting and the work of art chosen as “fan favourite” will be awarded a prize. Organizers have extended that same challenge to local florists who will also be competing to be chosen as “floral fan favourite.” Don’t forget to vote for your favourite artist and floral arrangement, because you could win an Otter Co-op or Safeway gift card just for casting your vote.
The show's tea room will be full of fantastic goodies, soups and sandwiches, all priced reasonably for the discerning guest.
In addition to all this will be the chance to purchase the must haves for your flower beds and gardens with a large and varied supply from local nurseries at lower than retail prices.
The Bradner Flower Show takes place on April 13, 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Bradner Hall and School, 5303 Bradner Rd, Abbotsford. Admission is still only $2. For more information call 604-856-8441 or visit www.bradnerflowershow.com
Schedule of Events
Friday, April 13
11 a.m.: Bert the Mole Man - control those moles!
2 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies with host Murray Brown, Mayor Buce Banman and Councillors, Bradner Elementary Handbell Choir with Val Duma, May Queen Sarbjot Nijjar and May Princesses Amanda Wenting and Jade Erickson. Special guest will be Caren McSherry, Global TV chef, CKNW regular, author, owner of the Gourmet Warehouse
3 p.m.: Kerry Proudfoot - learn the secrets of how to decorate a cake beautifully and creatively
Saturday, April 14
11 a.m.: Tai Chi with Tadeus Kuczynski (school gym)
12 p.m.: Seasonal Experience Chef - cooking demo
1 p.m.: Liz Avery, Lotusland Vineyards
1 p.m.: Tai Chi with Tadeus Kuczynski (school gym)
2 p.m.: Brambles (Tanglebank) Bistro - chef demo
3 p.m.: Vern Seimens, Mt. Lehman Winery
Sunday, April 15
12 p.m.: Jeremy Pitchford of Glen Valley Organic Farm talks about growing organically
1 p.m.: Mike Campbell of Campbell’s Gold - all about mead (wine made from honey)
2 p.m.: Nathan Fong, Vancouver Sun food columnist, food stylist, Global TV chef in cooking demonstration
3 p.m.: Liz Avery, Lotusland Vineyards
-By LYNDA RICHARD, for The Aldergrove Star