I’m so excited that convention is almost here!!  “Southern Splendor from Gone with the Wind”  has kept  all the board & committee members very busy taking care of all the details to make this another GREAT Arkansas convention.  Kelly Efird has an impressive design & educational  panel lined up for us.  I know a couple of the designers personally and am sure you will enjoy their presentation.  The Friday night program will  feature Tracy Proctor in “Down South Southern Styles”.  This will be a good time for you to wear your fancy southern hats and parasols.  Come dressed as Scarlett O’Hara, Melanie Wilkes, Rhett Buler, Ashley Wilkes, Mr. O’Hara or the Yankee officer  who played poker with Rhett.   Come enjoy the Friday night program all decked out in “Southern Splendor”.

Saturday night Horner Hall will be decorated for the awards banquet to continue with the theme of the convention.  Dr. Bellows is returning for another entertaining show of hypnotism.  Some of your fellow florists will volunteer to become hypnotized and put on a show such as you have never seen before.  You will laugh till your sides hurt!

J. Ted Lewis always does a terrific job with the trade market.  We always have tremendous vendors who can take care of all our floral needs along with a few personal needs.  This year I plan trying out the beauty salon.  Maybe they can make me look like Scarlett.  Ha! Ha!

Wendel McCorkle is the general decorations chairman.  I have been to a couple of the planning sessions and his committee members are full of good ideas.  The hotels have asked that we scale back our decorations in the lobby due to congestion, but I know we can still look forward to gorgeous  displays.

Make plans to come early and help with the decorations.  You may contact Wendel at Hope Floral —870-777-6667 or me at Lunsford’s Flowers—870-763-4001.   Don’t miss the fun and excitement as we watch bare rooms turn into a fantasy land from such talent and beauty.  A lot of hard work goes into putting everything together , but it is all worth it!! 

I certainly appreciate all the effort that goes into making Arkansas Florists Association the great organization that it is!  We are noted for our wonderful conventions, but YOU have to be there to really make it successful.  Come and enjoy lots of fun & friendship.

See you August 18 in Hot Springs for “Southern Splendor from Gone with the Wind”.    

Margaret Abbott

Lunsford Flowers - Blytheville, AR

margaretabbott@arkansasfloristsassociation.org