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KITSAP
COUNTY
DAHLIA
SOCIETY

WELCOME TO THE KITSAP COUNTY DAHLIA SOCIETY

Click here for details of the 2010

86th Annual DAHLIA Show

August 7 & 8, 2010

Pavilion - Kitsap County Fairgrounds, Silverdale

NOTE THIS CHANGE: This years show is being moved from the Presidents' Hall at Kitsap Fairgrounds to the Pavilion at the Fairgrounds. Fortunately, the buildings are next to each other, the Pavilion is to the right of the parking lot in front of Presidents' Hall. You can park in the same parking lot if you wish, there is a paved walkway to the Pavilion - but it is down a slight hill - or, you can park in the Pavilion's parking lot. If you choose the Pavilion parking lot, drive past the front of the building and around the back to be closest to the entrance. We will be using the back half of the Pavilion.

Everything else remains the same - such as times and help needed.

The Kitsap County Dahlia Society has been holding meetings continuously since its inception in 1923. At that time, the membership dues were fifty cents for adults and twenty-five cents for juniors. In 1925, under the guidance of president Henry Hatfield, KCDS became affiliated with the American Dahlia Society and held its first sanctioned dahlia show. The names of the winning blooms have been lost to time, but according to reporters covering the show for the Bremerton Press, “The show was a riot of color and a wilderness of beauty.”

As in the past, shows hosted by the Kitsap County Dahlia Society (KCDS) still awe the visitors as they gasp at the unbelievable beauty and color presented by the many blooms. Kitsap has hosted the first show of the season in the Pacific Northwest for many years. In August of 2004 the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers, which includes KCDS, hosted the ₃₈th annual American Dahlia Society National Show in Seattle. Every year, the National Show draws growers from all over the world.

Kitsap County Dahlia Society currently has a membership of approximately 100. The society has grown annually with the leadership of many members who have served as officers. KCDS has maintained a demonstration/club garden at the Silverdale Post Office since 1990. The garden provides tubers for our yearly tuber sale, which funds our annual show and other activities.

There have been many Kitsap County Dahlia Society members who are known for their contributions to the dahlia world. The late Andy Babb is known to many for his work with the Trial Garden at Point Defiance Park and for his lasting originations such as Zing. He is honored by presentation of an annual award in his name at our annual show. Then there is the originator of Hulin’s Carnival, Mr. J. Hulin, who was involved in the society’s early years. Most recently there is the super team of David and Leone Smith. David and Leone are best known for their bloom that has been grown around the world, Chimacum Topaz.

Everyone in our club has an exciting common interest. We have a lot of fun growing and sharing our knowledge of dahlias. We know you will be an asset to KCDS and we welcome you to the Society!

Click here for membership information.

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