KOLOA — Al Sugano, an orchid grower from Koloa, said his Lady’s Slipper orchid specimens should be ready for the Spring Fantasy next week. The Garden Island Orchid Society will be hosting the annual free event at the Hanapepe United
KOLOA — Al Sugano, an orchid grower from Koloa, said his Lady’s Slipper orchid specimens should be ready for the Spring Fantasy next week.
The Garden Island Orchid Society will be hosting the annual free event at the Hanapepe United Church of Christ social hall from 1 to 7 p.m., March 18, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 19.
The public is invited to view the latest achievements by Kaua‘i orchid growers as well as admire the winning entries judged by American Orchid Society certified judges.
Community members can enjoy a wide variety of baked goods prepared by members of the GIOS as well as shop for orchid plants and a variety of orchid crafts. There is no admission fee to view the specimens.
“The Lady’s Slippers, or Paphiopedilum, are not that common,” Sugano said. “The buds are expanding now, so they should be ready for the show.”
Sugano, who retired from a job in Oregon and returned home to Koloa to raise orchids, said the mild winter enjoyed by Kaua‘i resulted in less bud counts on the blooming phalaenopsis, or moth orchids.
He had some of those specimens along with a variety of dendrobium specimens for sale during the Koloa Sunshine Market, Monday.
In addition to the plants, Sugano also fielded bunches of orchid assortments, noting that some of the visitors are here for just a short while and do not want to invest in a plant.
Ada Koene of the GIOS said in addition to the Spring Fantasy Orchid Show and Sale, the historic Hanapepe Town association will be hosting a variety of activities and shows centering around orchids.
Among the activities is the centennial celebration of the 1911 Hanapepe Bridge which just received a fresh coat of paint last week.
Plein Air artists are scheduled to be a various locations throughout Hanapepe town, painting orchids, and a cake decorating demonstration is scheduled at Hanapepe Cafe.
The Kaua‘i Classic Cars will be on display in conjunction with a car show sponsored by the Talk Story Bookstore.
Saturday events include kids art projects with Van Go! and Circles of Light from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hanapepe Hawaiian Congregational Church, and a pair of Ducky Derbies to help raise funds for diabetes. Derbies are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Also on the entertainment slate is a performance by Kaua‘i Underground Artists, taiko drummers, Ethereal Harmony Violinists, Paul Togioka, Makana and the Kuga Kids Break Dancers.
Visit www.gardenislandorchidsociety.org or www.hanapepe.org for more information.
