2011 Festival News
The 2010 Shore Orchid Festival was a lot of fun and well attended, but the main thing people will tend to remember was the heat. The Saturday temperature was 107 degrees (heat index of temperature plus humidity) and real temperature, was 101 degrees. Because of this and the shore traffic, we have moved the festival to June 10,11,12. June is usually a great month weather wise here at the shore, and the beach traffic is not much of a factor with beach water temperatures being in the 50’s and low 60’s at that time of year. Because of this people come to the shore, but not in the numbers they do when the air temperature is high and water temperature is about 70 degrees plus. We think this timing (June 10,11,12) gives us a much greater chance of having pleasant weather, and should allow people to relax and browse for their orchids (instead of melting and running home to the AC!)

This year we have added two great vendors, Orchids Limited from Minnesota. Jason Fischer will represent this venerable orchid firm and will bring a great mix of species, paphs, and phrags as well as many other fine selections. The other new vendor will be Kelly’s Korner. Kelly’s Korner has orchid supplies from A to Z and will be able to provide customers with every conceivable orchid supply desire. We welcome both of these two standouts to the 2011 Shore Orchid Festival.

The layout of the festival should be much the same as last year, with vendors having their own sales tent, but we are looking to provide a waterproof protection in case of rain. We are looking into different options for this year. Also, we welcome bus or van groups and are looking into incentives for those who travel in larger groups. Buses can park outside of the festival grounds, and will be able to move out easily. (a change form last year) With gas prices at high levels, this is a great way to share fuel costs. We are looking into providing incentives for bus and groups. More on this shortly.

Also, for our New York friends, the train is the way to go. Stephen White, a member of Manhattan Orchid Society, came by train in 2010, and said it was simple and very affordable. He then grabbed a cab at the Bradley Beach train station and came to the Festival for an additional $7.00. The cab companies offer a deal, $7.00 for the first person and $1.00 for each additional. So it pays to get 2 or 3 or more people together and split the cab fare. (keep this in mind when planning your trip, New Yorkers)

Check back for information about the Shore Orchid Festival, (June 10,11,12) as we will be updating this page to keep you informed about new developments. (schedule of speakers, talks, etc…)