"Whose creation will reign supreme?"
If you’ve ever tuned in to an episode of Iron Chef, you know the thrilling moment when the Chairman asks, "Whose cuisine will reign supreme?"
Now, picture that same electrifying energy, but with flowers instead of food!
That’s exactly what’s happening at this year’s Minnesota State Fair on Wednesday, August 28th, and you can witness it all LIVE!
Allez! Arranger les fleurs! (Go! Arrange flowers!)
This event is a major highlight for professional florists across Minnesota, as they compete for the prestigious title of “Designer of the Year,” awarded by the North Central Florists. And the stakes are high—along with the honor comes a $500 prize for the most creative floral masterpiece.
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Sandy Schroeck, AIFD, PFCI, CFD — an award-winning designer and the Education Coordinator at Len Busch Roses, who also happens to be the mastermind behind this exhilarating competition.
Sandy, who is constantly on the move, squeezed in our interview over Zoom from her hotel room in Little Rock, AK, just before leading a training session for local florists.
Here's a sneak peek into what she shared with me (edited for brevity):
Sandy: “We have designers from all over the Midwest bringing in two arrangements. Each year, we have a competition theme and assignment change. This time, the theme is inspired by a song, and the second design must include a plant. With the current plant craze, I can't wait to see how these talented designers interpret the challenge.”
Sandy says the evaluators are all certified by the AIFD, American Institute of Floral Designers, meaning they’ve met the highest standards in floral design and know quality when they see it.
This year, there are 42 competitors, meaning fair visitors will have 84 stunning arrangements to admire! From this impressive group, only six will advance to the finals.
At 6 pm, the Iron Chef-style live competition kicks off and just like in the TV show, the finalists won’t know what flowers they’ll be working with until the clock starts, leveling the playing field. In the final design-off, everyone faces the same challenge: identical flowers, 30 minutes, and the pressure of a live audience!
Sandy: While they work on the “Dirt Stage,” we’ll be providing live commentary on what’s unfolding.”
After the 30 minutes are up, the judges will deliberate, and by 7:30 pm, Sandy will announce who will be crowned ‘Designer of the Year’ for the North Central Florists.
Sandy explains that once the winner is revealed, all the finalists’ designs will be displayed in one of the horticulture rooms until 9 pm on Thursday, August 29th, for everyone to admire.
Sandy: “In addition, fair goers will see arrangements from the sponsors, including Len Busch Roses and Koehler and Dramm, giving inspiration for future flower designs.”
My Personal Note: Last year, I had the chance to enroll in one of Sandy’s “Basic Floral Design” classes. It was an absolute blast, and it gave me a deep appreciation for the incredible talent of our state’s professional florists. By the way, Sandy will be back in the future with a few tips for “Flower Arranging #101.”
Meanwhile, mark your calendars and head to the Dirt Stage in the State Fair Horticulture Building at 6 pm for the start of this thrilling floral showdown.
If you are able to attend, email me back and let me know. I’d enjoy knowing what you think of the competition and the winners!
Let’s continue to Bloom Together Through Every Season!
Diana
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