As always, this year's Ohio State AVS Convention show, "African Violets Take a Ride",  was held at the Kingwood Center in Mansfield.  

Shown at left is the Best in Show entry, as well as Best Semiminiature in Show, 'Pink Skies', grown and exhibited by Sharon Kemp.  Sharon is Canadian and her showplants have been regularly seen winning awards over the past few years.  This is her first time winning top honors at Ohio State, however, and this plant was just one of many beautiful entries of Sharon's.
 

'Coral Kiss' was 2nd Best in Show as well as Best Standard violet.  Gary Mikita, from Indiana was the exhibitor.  Gary is known for his expertise with other gesneriads, but obviously knows how to grow violets well too!

3rd Best in Show (at right) was 'Dean's Bunny Blue', also entered by Sharon Kemp.
 

'Darlin Blue Trail' was Best Trailing Violet in show.  This was a spectacular plant, one of many entries of Mary Martin.  Mary had a lot of wonderful plants in the show, and took home plenty of awards, including sweepstakes.

This year's show was the largest, and nicest, in years, with over 300 entries.  There were also 7 vendors in the sales room (ourselves included).  Gary Mikita was the featured banquet speaker (among others at the show), and thanks to some good publicity, turnout was good, in spite of off-and-on rain showers.

Of course, we had a few entries too.  Rob entered a number of plants, and Olive entered many of the design classes.

Shown at far left is one of her entries, '..to the moon', the winner ofBest plant arrangement in show

At center is her entry in '..down the Mississippi', a best in class winner.

At right is the Best Underwater arrangement, '...in a mini submarine', entered by Thelma Miller, who also doubled in her usual capacity as show chairman. 

Many thanks to all who helped make this a great show and fun experience.  Next year's show is scheduled for the same weekend, September 27-29, 2007.  See you there.