The third annual Flower
Show and Summer Fair on Saturday 19 August in the Market Yard, Larne was a riot
of colour and drew attendees from right across the Borough and further afield.
Attendees enjoyed activities such a cooking demonstrations, flower arranging
and bird box building at the Summer Fair with the main event, the Flower Show
awards ceremony, being held at 3.30pm and with the awards presented by U105’s
Carolyn Stewart and Mayor of Mid & East Antrim.
Speaking at the awards
ceremony, Mayor of Mid & East Antrim, Cllr Paul Reid, said “Our Mid and
East Antrim In Bloom campaign has continued this year and the Flower Show is a
big component of this. Through Mid and East Antrim In Bloom we encourage
everyone who lives in the Borough to think about their local environment and
how flowers, plants and gardens can enhance it for people and wildlife.”
“Our Flower Show is the
chance for local gardeners, bakers and floral artists to create a marvellous
extravaganza of flowers, fruit and vegetables, and home baked delights.”
“I would especially like
to thank our panel of judges, who have a wide range of experience and expertise
amongst them and who thoroughly deliberated all the entrants today. Thank you
to our staff who have worked hard to make the Flower Show and Summer Fair
happen. It has been a wonderful colourful spectacle. And finally, thank
you to all our entrants – the standard was remarkable.”
Amongst a host of winners
on the day, Elizabeth Boyd won Best in Show for her succulent entry, with Most
Points overall in Flower Show going to David McWilliam.
Best Cut Flower Exhibit
went to Avril Graham for her large gladioli, Best Rose Exhibit went to Elaine
McIlwaine, Most Points in Rose Exhibit was won by Ronnie Campbell. Best Dahlia
Exhibit and Most Points in Dahlia Exhibit was won by David McWilliam.
Best Garden Variety went
to Sandra Hawthorn for her hydrangea. Most Points in Cut Flowers went to David
McWilliam.
Best Pot Plant and Most
Points in Pot Plants was won by Elizabeth Boyd and Rita O’Lynn won the Best
Cactus Exhibit.
Best Monster Vegetable
went to Stephen McConnell for his monster cabbage and Jennifer Herron’s twisty
carrot won Best Novelty Vegetable. Jennifer also won both Most Points in
Vegetable Section and the Best Grow Your Own Selection.
Colleen Hamill won the Best
Flower Arrangement award for her ‘Wild About Gardens’ display, and Colleen also
won the most points in the Flower Arrangement section.
Samantha Braniff won Best
Exhibit in Junior Section for her cupcakes and there was a four way tie for Most
Points in the Junior Section with James Cowan, Ruby Fleck, Lucy Cowan and Ellie Cowan all collecting an
award.
Emily Hanna won the Best Exhibit in Home Industry for her chocolate
cake, with Most Points in Home Industry going to Ann Carson.