Organizers of the revived Giraudel Flower Show have said all is in place for the staging of the event and it will be one to remember.
“It is coming on very very well, lots of excitement,” Spokesperson of the Giraudel/Eggleston Flower Group, Elizabeth Alfred, said. “The coordinating committee is very pleased by the support of the community and Dominica in general.”
The twin villages of Giraudel and Eggleston have been known as the ‘flower basket’ of Dominica because of fertile soils, frequent rains and conditions that are ideal for the cultivation of flowers.
The Flower Show, a national festival celebrating the floriculture industry and highlighting the art of large-scale cut flower arrangement, was first held in 1973.
The show has been on the shelf for the past nine years due mainly to the lack of a proper venue to host. In February, a newly constructed venue that will house the show was officially opened, and Alfred said everything is “falling nicely into place.”
Alfred noted that the concept of the show is to highlight the community, its people and their talents. “The whole concept is to give people the opportunity to look at the community, highlight the community, the talents, and flowers that are unique to our community,” she said.
She said there is also an economic side to the show because residents of the community are given the opportunity to sell flowers and vegetables at a market which forms part of the event.
Additionally, she hopes the show will encourage residents of the area to get back into the flower growing business and some of the young people to continue in the tradition of the elders. “We hope that we will get people to go into what is ours, what is natural…you go to functions and you see all these different things,” Alfred stated. “Why can’t we use more of our crotons, our anthuriums, our ginger lilies and bring in some money to our people?”
Alfred said she thinks the show will be a good one. “We’ve worked hard and we put our best into it. It is going to be a good show and I encourage all Dominicans to come and patronize the Giraudel Flower Show,” she said.
The official opening of the show is expected to take place on Thursday afternoon.
It will run from Saturday May 18th to Sunday May 26th under the theme ‘Reviving Our Floral Heritage’.
The Flower Show, a national festival celebrating the floriculture industry and highlighting the art of large-scale cut flower arrangement, was first held in 1973.–News Article
I was there in 1973, a young happy go luck girl, who was always a part of any program, which took place in our Giraudel, as a member of our Youth Group.
Yes indeed! Elizabeth Alfred was my leader in such organizations, I am so proud to read that she is still up and going–continue to be blessed by God’s strength my Lady!
Nonetheless I hope that our young people today are part of that organization–the best one in our village–because there comes a time when our Lizzie will have to retire, there better be someone, or a few younger persons, who will stand up in her place.
Anyway I can still remember that show in 1973–it was a “whole day show” with people from many parts of Dominica, enjoying themselves–with flowers, a few other craft work, and food inside and outside.
Steele Band music was for dancing during the day–all day long, and Belles Combo in the night, till 3am–I will never forget that day–even if I was deep into doing the work with fellow organizers.
Perhaps it will not be the same kind of activities, but I promise you that you will not regret taking the trip to Giraudel, between May 18 and May 26. Be prepared for the beautiful design of flowers; you will not hesitate to think of taking one home. You will love the food as well.
Have a good time while I will be dreaming of being there among everything–Good Heavens!
My teacher “Betty”, if you see that post please respond to say hello. May God continue to bless you my Phenomenal Woman. “One Love!”
Dominicans should support all festivals or shows wherever they are hept in which village or parish, lets get together and support each other,
Mayfest flower show, goat festival, titiri, fish festival ST Peters, we are all Dominicans and when one area florishes so is all Dominica “all for each and each for all”
Admin It is not Giraudel flower show, It is Giraudel/Eggleston Flower show.
The building is in Giraudel where the pre-school where located for the person that was asking?
The flower show will take place in Giraudel, at the newly built flower show site. It starts on the 18th of May and will run through to the 26th. The opening of the site is tomorrow at 5pm at the site. The site is right on the main road in Giraudel, you can’t miss it
hope there will be pictures of the different arrangements after the show .unable to attend.
Ms Elizabeth Alfred (Aunty Elizabeth):
Ms Elizabeth Alfred is indeed an icon to Dominica and I pray she receives all the appreciation she deserves…
What a phenomenal woman. She’s been a dynamic influence in the lives of many including countless young people across Dominica…
Giraudel:
I mean what a lovely place! The flower show is truly a pride of the two communities…It always amazes me how hard Dominicans work by the high quality products produced during these events.
@Let’s talk May 1, 2013
You have said this on my behalf; yes indeed! Elizabeth Alfred is a phenomenal women–I can say that she had made me one of those women as well–I am proud to have the same name as hers
With Elizabeth Alfred I would not be who I am today–one of the most important thing I learned from her, is to stand up and speak what is on my mind, but for the good of those around me.
Elizabeth Alfred was my teacher, who made me a teacher as well, right up to today.
I love you, my lady, and one of those days I will be back in Dominica, and to be part of the good work that you are doing for our village–pray that this is God’s Will for you and me. Blessings to you, in Jesus name Amen!
Would love to be in Dominica for this show.
Ms. Alfred is still at it . This is a perfect example of how everyone can contribute to Dominica’s growth. Ms. Alfred is one of Dominica’s Icons. I pray for a successful show.
its coming back! nice
hip hip hooray cant wait,love giraudel/eggleston and the people
At least the article could have mentioned its duration and some of the activities expected on the different day(s). Don’t you think?
The duration for the show is mentioned in the final paragraph but your point is taken, the activities for the different days should have been mentioned.
@Nkrumah Kwame May 1, 2013 and Jacqueline May 1, 2013
This news article is long enough as it is.
I used to be part of organizing the “flower show” my last time was in 1973–it is not possible for DNO to mention the activities, even they had the list–they would have to write a whole book. Yet still DNO bloggers do not like to read–I know about this.
I am a visitor. Everything was mention in the article except the dates.
Would like to wish you all a very successful day.
I would like to invite all my fellow Dominicans to visit my village of Giraudel and be part of our celebrations…We will certainly take care of you
I am interested in attending the show and actually read the article to find out where would be the location of the show. In the article it states that a newly build facility will now house the show but it does not tell if that facility is in Giraudel or Eggleston. anyone with knowledge of the actually location please inform. Thanks in advance.