The 76th Annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show

 

On Friday, March 8th, we attended the 76th annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show.  It was a fantastic photography opportunity and most visitors were taking photos as they visited the exhibits. The show is extremely popular but we hoped that Friday would be less crowded. My husband and I and our son all took pictures and I included some of my favorites in this post. Click on the images for the best viewing quality.

From the website:

The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is one of the oldest, largest and most prestigious orchid shows in the United States, reflecting the rich agricultural and orchid-growing history of Santa Barbara County. Visitors from all over the world return each March to delight in our grand orchid displays installed by local, national and international artisans and orchid enthusiasts. Exhibits of orchid art, photography and floral arrangements, in addition to a comprehensive workshop and demonstration schedule, provide visitors with a rich and unique orchid experience.

 

The 74th Annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show

The 74th annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show started Friday, March 15. We visited Saturday morning. I believe this was the third time we attended in all our years in Santa Barbara, and it has been several years since our last visit.  The show is extremely popular and there were crowds of people to contend with. My husband and I and our son all took pictures and here are a few of my favorites.

From the SB Orchid Show site:

Nestled on a narrow plain between the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains on the north and the calm, blue seas of the Pacific Ocean on the south, Santa Barbara enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with temperate nights and soft, ocean breezes. 

From this splendid setting has sprung an orchid industry that now produces more orchids than any other region in the country. Many of the growers introduce their finest blooms at the Santa Barbara International Show before sending them out as potted plants, cut-flower sprays and individual corsages to orchid enthusiasts throughout the world.