Winter Carnival Orchid Show January 24 & 25

Media Advisory
January 20, 2015
Contact: Matt Reinartz
matt.reinartz@stpaul.gov
651.487.8294 (o)
651.248.9836 (c)

Winter Carnival Orchid Show January 24 & 25

The Kingdom of Orchids Usurps the Throne from King Boreas for This One Event

During the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, all things cold are celebrated. One event stands out and gives attendees a way to escape to the tropics without getting on a plane; the Winter Carnival Orchid Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory on January 24 and 25, 2015.

Hundreds of orchid plants owned by the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, as well as individual and commercial orchid growers, will transform the Conservatory into a tropical wonderland where instead of King Boreas, orchids rule. Besides witnessing the beautiful plants and displays, vendors will be offering plants and other wares.

The Orchid Society of Minnesota and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory work together to exhibit the largest display of privately owned orchids in the region. The Winter Carnival Orchid Show is an American Orchid Society (AOS) judged event. Orchid judges from throughout the Midwest travel to Saint Paul to bestow awards and points.

For over 40 years, the Winter Carnival Orchid Show has become the premier winter event for orchid lovers throughout the Midwest, attended by nearly 5,000 orchid enthusiasts. Perhaps in response to those long cold winters, Minnesotans are avid plants-men and women and welcome the chance to see and purchase something out of the ordinary.

The public will get to vote on the best Winter Carnival themed display via Facebook. Go to the Orchid Society of Minnesota’s Facebook page to vote for your favorite starting January 24 at 10am until January 25 to 4pm.

Orchid plants and orchid-related items will be for sale from the following vendors: Deerwood Orchids, Mans Farms, Jacque Rosenau Studio, Natt’s Orchids, Orchids Limited, Parkers Prairie Floral and Greenhouse, Ten Shin Gardens (direct from Taiwan) and Turtle & Raven Clay Studio.

Orchids are the largest family of flowering plants. One of the oldest and best organized of plant hobbies, orchid culture now enjoys worldwide popularity. Their incredible beauty and diversity captivate men and women of every walk of life.

The Winter Carnival Orchid Show will be held on January 24 and 25 at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12 ($1 off admission with Winter Carnival button).

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Background

For over 100 years, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Zoo in Saint Paul, Minnesota has charmed, educated and entertained millions of children and adults while fostering an appreciation of the natural world, helping to make Saint Paul the Most Livable City in America. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is open 365 days; 10am-6pm from April 1-September 30 and 10am-4pm from October 1-March 31. For more information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org