This was a great opportunity to get the word out to thousands of people about our hobby. I would be the first to say that it was a lot of work but once the crowds saw the finished product the comments made it seem all worth while. Dick Strauss designed the display in the Grand Marquee tent and Gayle and I handled the Educational display in the Amateur tent. Both gained a lot of attention and recognition.

The Japanese Garden scene in the main tent received a Gold Medal from the Horticultural Society for merit and it also was given the Mayor’s Award, Amateur Category, a silver bowl, which is awarded for "most appropriate use of a wide selection of plants and/or cut flowers." Dick and I were both thrilled and amazed at the recognition that the garden received. Saturday there was a picture in the Post and a couple of paragraphs about the display.

This could not have been achieved without out a lot of help from the members. Don Brown provided his workshop to cut out the stands and Dick, Even Luse and I assembled them. Don got stuck with cleaning the shop after we were finished. The stands are attractive and very sturdy. They will become a part of the Gale Garden display at the Krohn Conservatory. The setting up was a little overwhelming, but with the help of Wayne Mayes, Evan Luse, Denny Schoeny, Dick, (the doctor who tweaked Dick’s defibrillator) and me, the stage for the screens was assembled, the large rocks placed, the sand moved, the tsukubai installed and working, stands placed, sod laid and the stepping stones cut in. This was accomplished over a six day period. Sue Mayes and Gayle were there also to do the carrying and running around. Finally, Monday came and the fences were all tied. Jim Amiot stopped by the house to help get the screens and the fences to the show. Due to the craziness of the final set up day most of the items had to be carried in from the parking lot. The trees of course made our displays stand out and much thanks to the members who loaned us the material, Jim Amiot - three, John Carroll - three, Doug Hawley - five, Tom Mounce - three, and me -- five.

The Bonsai Society was the only amateur display that was manned for the entire show, which shows the enthusiasm we all have for our art. Thanks to all who served as host or hostess and responded to the many basic questions presented. It certainly gave the public a better understanding of Bonsai and an appreciation of each individuals dedication toward the trees. The members taking the time to help out were Jim and Cathy Amiot, Mark Fehrenbach, Carole Gray, Doug Hawley, Sue Magness, Jim Phillips, Jeff Rhein, Mike Scheid, Denny Schoeny, Rita Singla, and Joyce Wood. Special thanks to those who were able to handle extra days; Don Brown four days, John and Margie Carroll three days, Wayne and Sue Mayes four days, and Tom Mounce two days.

The show break down was the one thing that bothered Dick and me the most. It had to take place during the buying frenzy and we were concerned with people walking off with the trees. How to get the material out to the cars, the length of time to break down and the two display to safeguard were all big worries. But the members came through in great numbers to make it easy and very quick. Dick and I were smart enough to let the younger guys do most of the heavy work and they did it without hesitation. For the great job and the speed that you all worked, thanks to John and Margie Carroll, Mark Fehrenbach, Even Luse, Wayne and Sue Mayes, Tom Mounce, Jim Phillips and Denny Schoeny. What a great job you all did, Gayle and I were out of the Park by 7:15. The earliest we had left during the show.

I am the one that volunteered the Society and am really grateful for all your help and support for this undertaking. I am very appreciative of the tremendous effort Dick Strauss put forth to make this undertaking the success it was. He did not allow his poor health to keep him down. His knowledge and expertise was well evidenced by the professional display presented. It is because of his talents, bonsai is a little better understood and appreciated in the area. Thanks Dick.

To my partner and biggest fan, Gayle, thanks for your encouragement and support during this entire ordeal. You were always there with a helping hand and an encouraging word to make the project one that we could all be proud of. Thanks you so much. ( I know I owe her a lot of Mall time.)