Submitted by Southern Shows
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — From bellbottom trousers to beehive hairdos and wide ties; from big-finned cars to rabbit-ears on cabinet TV sets; from orange shag carpeting and turquoise kitchen appliances to Atari and new-fangled things called VCR’s … we watched “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “Leave It To Beaver.” Welcome to the passing of five decades in America.
And, through it all, the SOUTHERN SPRING HOME & GARDEN SHOW, birthed in 1961 and now celebrating its 50th anniversary, still thrives and draws thousands of guests to its exquisite flowers and lush gardens one-half century after the classic Spring “show of shows” was born. The addition of the lifestyle and home improvement areas only serve to captivate even more guests armed with cameras, pens and notepads to preserve the innovative, creative and cost-efficient ideas to take home. There’s a lot to “CELEBRATE!”
50 YEARS AGO …
Thanks to Joan and Robert Zimmerman’s keen insight into the benefits of establishing a major spring garden show in the Southeast back in 1961; followed by the business savvy to birth the Southeastern Flower and Garden Show at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh; then the tenacity to nourish and grow it so that it would fit beautifully into the then-brand-new Charlotte Merchandise Mart in 1963; the ingenious decision to change the show’s name to the melodious “Southern Living Show” in 1968; and, never ones to rest on their laurels, continue to expand and flourish the show until, in 1990, the magical by-then-called the “Southern Spring Show” was renamed the “SOUTHERN SPRING HOME & GARDEN SHOW.” From the beginning it has continued to draw guests from all over the country to the event that transforms The Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart) into a fantasyland of flowers, landscape artistry, outdoor furnishings, interior design and gardens, gardens, gardens!
TO THE PRESENT …
Over the years and especially during this historical landmark year for the show, the SOUTHERN SPRING HOME & GARDEN SHOW has partnered with some of the area’s most intriguing museums, galleries, artistic societies and even zoos. Where there is an element of uniqueness, the Zimmermans have recognized and welcomed those additions to the show.
Case in point #1 ~ Daniel Flynn and his company, Flynn Landscaping & Irrigation, will title their Showcase Garden “VE-DAY WWII” with special thanks to the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum. Flynn will create the most extraordinary salute to America in this emporium with WWII memorabilia, military uniforms and artifacts from that era. Adding flavor to that awesome garden, Dan will eclectically insert bronzed animals – a bear and an owl – on large stacking boulders with water pumped panoramically from inside the boulders featuring internal lighting illuminating the exiting water as it pours out. The effect, Flynn shares, will be “stunning!”
Case in point #2 ~ The Art Institute of Charlotte’s garden will serve as a flashback to years gone by with a 50th anniversary tribute never seen at the show before. The design class at TAIC will create three settings to follow the life of a fictitious family, each setting depicting a different decade … the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Guests will wander down memory lane with glimpses of period clothing, appliances, furniture and hairstyles.
With this year’s added emphasis as the SOUTHERN SPRING HOME & GARDEN SHOW’s family-friendly atmosphere (children accompanied by adults are most welcome), Metro-Greenscape, Inc. and Chief Designer Heather Brockelbank are creating an astounding replica of Alice In Wonderland in their garden, using rambunctious characters from the childhood favorite book mixed with greeneries, blazing colors, and, of course, the infamous Cheshire Cat, his Mad Hatter pal and … needless to say … Alice! Bring the kids. They’ll be as enthralled as you are. Let’s “CELEBRATE!” 50 years!
SHOW FACT SHEET:
March 3-7, 2010
The Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart)
2500 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205
The Park is adjacent to Bojangles’ Arena, approximately 3 mi. from center city.
(Note: Independence Blvd. is also Hwy. 74)
Show Hours:
Wednesday, March 3 and Thursday, March 4 – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6 – 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 7 – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
FIRST NIGHT BENEFIT: (To benefit The Council For Children’s Rights)
Wednesday, March 3 – 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Separate Benefit Ticket required through Council For Children’s Rights $50/per.
Show Ticket Prices:
$10 admission ticket at the door.
Children under 15 (excluding groups) – Free with paying adult.
Advanced Tickets:
$8 before February 22.
May be ordered by mail, telephone or internet
www.southernspringhomeandgardenshow.com
Visa and Master Card accepted.
Tickets on sale at Harris Teeter - $7.50 with VIC card beginning Feb. 15.
$7.00 on Wednesday for Seniors – age 55+
$7.50 applies to group order of 20 or more tickets ordered in advance. (Tickets not used may be returned for credit. If less than 20 sold, advance $8.00 rate applies.)
Dated hand stamp allows same-day return.
Parking:
The Park and Bojangles’ Arena – All Day $6.00
FREE parking for coaches, large transport vans, and buses.
