MID Murray Orchid Club will have the honour of hosting the 23rd annual Country Orchid Clubs Challenge later this year.
The challenge brings together eleven orchid clubs from across Victoria over the first weekend of July.
Each club will bring their colourful orchid displays to the Kerang Basketball Stadium.
This will be Kerang’s third opportunity to host the challenge, after the event’s inception in 2000.
Members of the public will be welcome to browse the displays from 12 to 4pm on Saturday July 1, and from 10am to 3pm on the Sunday.
Mid Murray Orchid Club’s Leanne Chalmers said that after more than two decades with the club, she was still seeing new orchids at the challenge.
“I’ve been with the Mid-Murray Orchid Club since it began,” she said. “Which was about 25 years ago.
“The different orchids on display at this time of year are amazing to see. At last year’s challenge, even I saw a few that I had never seen before.
“Different orchids flower at different times of year, so it’s a good chance to see something new that won’t be seen at our yearly orchid show in September.”
Ms Chalmers said while clubs are vying to win the challenge, friendship is a main draw of the event.
“Everyone gives out points for first, second and third; and last year our club was lucky enough to finish with the most points to win that part of the challenge,” she said.
“You might not see these people for 12 months, but as soon as you walk through the doors, there’s a few jokes, or you get a welcome hug from someone.
“The friendships you make year to year are quite amazing. It’s a really fantastic community.”
Commercial orchid sellers will also be on hand to cater to those who want to start growing their own orchids, or those who looking for assistance with their growing.
Ms Chalmers says the competitors are also happy to help.
“We want to be able to answer any questions for people interested in orchid growing,” she said. “The commercial sellers are more than happy to anyone wanting to know more as well.
“Everyone puts in a lot of effort to come up with a new theme every year. Attendees should expect to see eleven really great displays from orchid clubs across the state.
“As well as the opportunity to see some beautiful orchids they may have never seen before.”
Anyone interested in attending the Country Orchids Club Challenge can do so on the weekend with an entry cost of $5. Morning tea, lunch and refreshments will be available.
