The Coronado Flower Show was founded in 1922 in the midst of trouble on the island. Residents came together to create a show that celebrates the artistic creativity and beauty of the community during a time when many needed a reminder. 102 years later, the show will return to Spreckels Park as the largest tented flower show in the nation and Coronado’s longest standing tradition.
This year’s theme is called “Ocean of Flowers” and will span from April 20-21. The event will pull together a variety of floral competitions, landscape designs, live entertainment, educational lectures, demonstrations, food, shopping and a beer and wine garden featuring locally crafted beers from Coronado Brewing Company.
Created by the Coronado community
Originally founded in 1922, the flower show was conceptualized by Coronado resident Maude Taylor and her husband, Harold Taylor, in an effort to unite the local community.
During that time, the island was divided over political debates regarding business factions. The famous Spreckels family, referred to as Coronado’s “first family,” and Wilmot Griffiss – a Coronado banker and former mayor – were at odds over development issues and many Coronadians were picking sides. The feud was so prominent on the island that local papers were even reporting on it. The Taylors saw the festival as a way to repair neighborly tensions by reminding them of their town’s beauty.
The community assisted them in their effort, with local schools loaning desks and typewriters, the Hotel del Coronado providing trellises and tables and the boy scouts camping in the park during the festival to provide security.
Since then, the Coronado Floral Association (CFA) has relentlessly kept the annual festival alive, only pausing in the midst of World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s so much more than a flower show, it’s a festival of celebrating spring and celebrating what we have here as a community,” said Sara Stillman, president of CFA. “We do the same thing in the park as we did as a community back in 1922.”
CFA gears up for an eventful festival
The only difference 102 years later is how much the festival has grown. Around 5,000 people attended the 2023 flower show, some of whom traveled from out of state. Organizers are gearing up for a similar number of attendees this year, and have even introduced some new elements, including a brand new food court pavilion with food from Garage Buona Forchetta, Clayton’s Bakery & Bistro, Gelato Paradiso and more.
Event-goers are encouraged to participate in the festival by entering into one of the competitions, organized into five divisions – horticulture, design, special exhibits, youth and botanical arts. Whether an amateur gardener or professional florist, the Coronado Flower Show wants to see everyone’s green thumb. Criteria and details are outlined on the show schedule.
There will also be a fundraising event held by the 1922 club – an organization that pays homage to the flower show’s founding year – after event hours on Saturday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The theme of the party this year is called “Ocean Electric,” and will feature food and cocktails from local eateries, as well as a chance to enjoy live music under the stars. Tickets can be purchased for $125.
A weekend of celebrating community
The 1922 club event, as well as partnerships from local organizations like the City of Coronado, the Hotel del Coronado and the Bridge & Bay Garden Club all make the annual event possible, according to Stillman.
“This whole town takes a pause for this weekend to really celebrate [the] community. We have so many serious things that are affecting our conscience in so many ways, but I think it’s easy to overlook community and the importance it holds over us,” said Stillman.
Entries into the floral competitions must be submitted on Friday, April 19 from 4-6 p.m. or Saturday, April 20 from 7-9 a.m. An award ceremony for the competition winners will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m. Local awards will be given out to 69 recipients, as well as 21 National Garden Club awards. There will also be three “most popular” awards voted upon by attendees.
Entry into the competitions is free, but admission into the event itself costs $10 at the door. The festival will run from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
