The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show returns

The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show has announced a triumphant return three years after an abrupt cancellation due to state mandates at the onset of COVID limiting crowds to no larger than 250 at any events within California. The SBIOS attracts 8-10,000 visitors. There was no alternative other than to cancel. No tickets were sold at the door, and all online ticket purchases were refunded. The exhibit hall was packed with tens of thousands of award-winning orchid plants in all their glory.

The 75th Annual International Orchid Show will take place on March 1-12, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, California, with the theme “Orchids - The Adventure Returns.” As this beautiful event rises from the ashes, organizers implore orchid lovers to consider a tax-deductible donation to support the staging of the 2023 show and more importantly, secure its future.

“We’ve had to rebuild this beautiful event from the ground up over the last three years and are so grateful to finally bring the wonder of orchids back to the public. However, as the show evolves, it faces the new realities and challenges of a world changed by the pandemic. It urgently depends upon the financial support of fellow orchid lovers to raise seed money for upcoming shows,” says Lauris Rose, president of Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. “This world class show brings together growers of all levels, people who just love the beauty of orchids, and all who just love and are nurtured by nature. Everyone loves this show deeply. We welcome one and all not just to visit and enter an orchid wonderland, but also to celebrate Santa Barbara County’s rich history.”

The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious orchid shows in the United States. Every year until 2020, visitors have returned to delight in grand orchid displays installed by local, national, and international artisans and orchid enthusiasts. Exhibits of orchid art, photography, and floral arrangements and a comprehensive workshop and demonstration schedule provide visitors with a rich and unique orchid experience.  Tickets are on sale at the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show Box Office at Earl Warren Showgrounds each day of the show. Tickets can also be purchased online at https://sborchidshow.com starting $20.

The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization with the purpose of sharing the joy of the orchid world and educating the public about orchids via its annual show. Donations, large and small, are urgently needed to help the show to create new traditions for the future. To donate, please go to https://sborchidshow.com. There are many levels of sponsorship opportunities to explore.