Exciting orchid society show!

[calvin_orchidL]

I'm super excited about our local orchid society show in 2 weeks because I've signed up as a clerk to accompany the judges as they make their rounds to all the plants at 8am before the show! Not only do I get to see all the displays in their pristine condition, but I can learn about how orchid judging works.... I hear it's a tiring but fascinating experience, so I really look forward to it, although I really hope I don't do anything foolish/stupid in front of the judges! Has anyone done this before?

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

...although I really hope I don't do anything foolish/stupid in front of the judges! Has anyone done this before?

Anything foolish/stupid? hhhuuuiiiihhhaaaaa... several times and it feels great afterwards when you tell it to the people and everybody (including yourself) can laugh

Making the round with the Judges? No, not yet

Take and post pictures, but not only of the judges!

[cb977]

Three cheers for you, Calvin!

Clerking at a show is a phenomenal experience!
I did it for the last three shows our club put together and loved every second of it! Just remember not to make any comments to the judges...but as you're walking around with them, conversations will take place and you can learn SO much!!!

Clerking, for us anyway, is done in teams. One person records the information, one person points out which plant is being judged (the judging teams get a specific list of plants for them to judge) and one or two people usually work together to place the ribbon on the chosen plant.

Please let us know when you're done..I would love to hear your thoughts on the process.

Getting people to volunteer to help in a show is not an easy thing to do. There is a lot of work involved for everybody but the rewards are tremendous. All members of your society who have volunteered their time and effort should be applauded.

[calvin_orchidL]

Thanks for the encouragement, Ramon and Sue! I'm a little nervous to be honest...I actually dreamed about it last night, and somehow I woke up too late and got there 2 hours after they were done judging!

I'm just hoping they'll let me take pictures...is that allowed while clerking or am I meant to wait till afterwards?

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

I'm just hoping they'll let me take pictures...is that allowed while clerking or am I meant to wait till afterwards?

I don't know... but I would give I a try the worst that can happens is that they say you cannot do it (ask them first )

wow, I can understand you being nervous... that must be an amazing experience... and enjoy it AMAP!

[cb977]

You won't be able to take the pics while you're clerking...you'll be too busy paying attention to what's going on. There's usually a gap of time betweeen the clerking job and the start of the show so you should plan on taking your pics then.

Don't be nervous! Enjoy it

Let us know how it goes

[Phantasm]

Clerking is a great way to learn ribbon judging and also to learn how judges discern quality. Every judge is different, some are friendly and inclusive, others are a bit more formal. I love to get people that are clerking to express their opinions about flowers.......Don't even think about taking photos during judging....There is plenty of time for that later. Most of all, have fun!