Best orchid show in Florida to find rare Phals and Paphs?

[Russ1992]

Interested in visiting Florida for it's large orchid shows to find rare Phal and Paph species.

Hopefully I can fly them back to California.

Let's take a vote!

 

[big923cattleya]

Some of the largest orchid gatherings in Florida were orchid events, not necessarily shows.
My number one event when I lived there was the Redlands Orchid Festival held every May at the Homestead Fruit and Spice Park south of Miami. It is heavily advertised and promoted. Vendors come in not only locally but internationally. So your Phalaenopsis chances are very good there.
In January is the Tamiami Orchid Festival every year. It is held in south Miami near Florida International University I think. That too is on line with loads of information.
Krull-Smith hosts at least one big Orchid Event every year at their facility in Apopka, Florida. You can always check their website for information. All of these events can always be found in ORCHIDS magazine and on the AOS, American Orchid Society web page under the events calendar.
Every thing else is quite small in comparison. These shows below typically have only 4 to 6 vendors, none internationally, all local.
I judged at these shows every year starting in early January
Sarasota OS early January
Venice OS early February
Naples OS late February
Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance typically in March
I understand that the Englewood Show is no more.
There is a show every year in Largo Florida up by St. Petersburg in the fall.
Everglades Orchid Society Show, Tampa Bay Orchid Society Show, Tampa Bay Orchid Club Show. These are found on the AOS "Events page" @ aos.org

But dollar for dollar, the Redlands Festival is the absolute BEST!!!!! You will think that you have died and gone to Orchid Heaven.

 

[Russ1992]

Some of the largest orchid gatherings in Florida were orchid events, not necessarily shows.
My number one event when I lived there was the Redlands Orchid Festival held every May at the Homestead Fruit and Spice Park south of Miami. It is heavily advertised and promoted. Vendors come in not only locally but internationally. So your Phalaenopsis chances are very good there.
In January is the Tamiami Orchid Festival every year. It is held in south Miami near Florida International University I think. That too is on line with loads of information.
Krull-Smith hosts at least one big Orchid Event every year at their facility in Apopka, Florida. You can always check their website for information. All of these events can always be found in ORCHIDS magazine and on the AOS, American Orchid Society web page under the events calendar.
Every thing else is quite small in comparison. These shows below typically have only 4 to 6 vendors, none internationally, all local.
I judged at these shows every year starting in early January
Sarasota OS early January
Venice OS early February
Naples OS late February
Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance typically in March
I understand that the Englewood Show is no more.
There is a show every year in Largo Florida up by St. Petersburg in the fall.
Everglades Orchid Society Show, Tampa Bay Orchid Society Show, Tampa Bay Orchid Club Show. These are found on the AOS "Events page" @ aos.org

But dollar for dollar, the Redlands Festival is the absolute BEST!!!!! You will think that you have died and gone to Orchid Heaven.

I couldn't ask for a better response thanks!

 

[big923cattleya]

Hey Russ, if it helps you in any way, that’s wonderful!

 

[Phragper]

have been to Redlands several times now. It is the BEST. for me i take some newspapers and masking tape. and go back to hotel and wrap up all the plants for shipping and then take them to UPS
has worked out great

 

[richgarrison]

just to add to the above,

Tamiami is a redlands clone

Frank Smith hosts the International paph and vanda symposium in the fall and the International Phalaenopsis Alliance is (apparently) combining their yearly event into that same weekend at Franks in Apopka...

 

[Russ1992]

have been to Redlands several times now. It is the BEST. for me i take some newspapers and masking tape. and go back to hotel and wrap up all the plants for shipping and then take them to UPS
has worked out great

Ah yes of course! That makes all the sense in the world

 

[Russ1992]

just to add to the above,

Tamiami is a redlands clone

Frank Smith hosts the International paph and vanda symposium in the fall and the International Phalaenopsis Alliance is (apparently) combining their yearly event into that same weekend at Franks in Apopka...

Oh interesting might have to go to that one too!