Last year at this time, I rambled about Mother’s Day being the kindest day of the year. Our town has taken it to the next level this year!
A feeling of joy and happiness filled our town last weekend. So many people smiling, laughing, learning and celebrating. Especially with the unpredictable world in which we live now. A long winter is behind us, and we are smiling at the future.
I don’t know how it happened or how large a team worked on the Niagara-on-the-Lake In Bloom Festival, but congratulations on making NOTL absolutely magical last weekend. How many banquet event orders were generated, and how much teamwork went into such a complex event?
So many meetings, such attention to detail, so many conversations and decisions to make the concept a reality.
From what I understand, in late May this year, the 20th-annual Chelsea in Bloom will be celebrated in jolly old London. I don’t know, nor do I really care, who is responsible for “the In Blooms” there and here.
We have all been reminded that magic can happen when like-minded people come together with a common purpose and a dream.
It’s shocking to remember that only a few years ago, the area across John Street from the Pillar and Post Inn & Spa was an underutilized and sad parking lot. Jimmy Lai and his visionary family and corporate team waited, strategized and then generously created the Monet-inspired gardens. For all of us to enjoy. Free!
In Bloom was such a tribute to them and the very large team at Vintage Hotels. I first heard of the In Bloom concept only five months ago. Is that possible?
From the little I have learned, the concept was embraced by so many wonderful characters. May I ramble a bit? To name just a few, the team at Vintage Hotels, Niagara-on-the-Lake Tourism, the Museum, the parks, the Town of NOTL. And more.
Nationally known Frankie Flowers was totally enthusiastic to join in as a headliner who provided credibility and knowledge. So many Niagara area business people bought in, quietly joining the team with only one goal.
To create a new event, built around a common love of flowers. Hey, who doesn’t love blooms?
May I include the word serendipity here? Niagara-on-the-Lake In Bloom kept getting better and better. Yes, the signage, the timing, the enthusiastic and smiling people working the event, and the pervasive first-class feelings.
But the fun of flowers being used to create a container of popcorn, a pot of tea pouring into a cup, and yes, sushi. Trust me, it was all happening. Imagination and creativity in high gear.
Around every corner, another surprise.
With all the ill feelings and uncertainty in the world today, In Bloom was a much-needed and unexpected joy. People came from near and far to marvel, to smile and to smell. The Bubbles, Bonnets and Blooms welcome reception, and the Gardens of the World dinner gala at the Queen’s Landing.
Seminars to educate and entertain the many gardeners who were with us.
And hey, they overspent on sound. The devil is in the details.
Sure, the whole event hopefully created good revenue for Vintage Inns and others. Isn’t that what makes this type of creative masterpiece sustainable?
Rambling on, and having planned several events over the years, I must say I was absolutely flabbergasted while glimpsing NOTL In Bloom.
The organizers, obviously passionate and talented, had blessed us with their professionalism. The subtle and hard-working hands of the Vintage Hotels and Lai family of hotels team.
This seems like the perfect opportunity to reach out and voice our appreciation to everyone involved with last week’s Niagara-on-the-Lake In Bloom. A brave and risky undertaking at any time, let alone in the midst of the uncertainty in our world today.
It was marvellous to be a tiny part of such an artistic, cultural and financial triumph.
Great things can happen when great people lean into a great concept.
Now, let’s all take time to stop and smell the roses.
