A COOLER spring so far won’t stop everything coming up roses for an Albury November fixture.
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The 23rd annual Rose-A-Fair, always held the Saturday after the race that stops a nation, returns this weekend at St David’s Uniting Church.
Sue Beardwell, one of the rose show organisers, said last year’s event included more than 400 exhibits and about 70 participants.
Mrs Beardwell said this season promised to be a good one despite the recent wet conditions.
“Everyone seems to have lots of roses now and buds,” she said.
“Because it hasn’t been warm enough, we haven’t had that first bloom in October.
“So we’re getting the first bloom now.”
The section for cut roses focuses on the different colours as well as classes for containers of the same, mixed or miniature roses.
Floral design forms another section, with categories for children (12 years and under), teenagers and adults.
Entries can be staged late Friday afternoon or early the next morning, with judging overseen by Bill and Margaret Redford to start at 9.15am Saturday. There is no fee for exhibiting.
As well as the rose show, the fair includes a range of stalls selling books, children’s games and toys, craft, plants, produce and just about anything in the back shed.
Devonshire teas, a barbecue, cool drinks and hot potatoes will provide refreshments.
And one must never overlook the cake stall, a staple since the church fete began.
“We’ve been on the cake stall ever since, Dawn, haven’t we?” Aileen Tetu commented to fellow stalwart Dawn Gould.
“It always is the first thing that sells out.”
Anzac biscuits and sponges remain popular, but there are plenty of other cakes and slices as well.
“A lot of people come back every year looking for the same thing,” Mrs Gould said.
Musician Jeremy Kerr will perform, along with belly dancers and the White Wall Gospel Choir.
Lyn Ehlers will display examples of her embroidery, continuing the tradition of church members exhibiting their craft each year.
The slave auction will offer a variety of goods and services to bid on from 10.30am. Ironing, cinema tickets, a fishing trip, meat platter, gardening services and a dinner for four feature among the lots.
For one item, a Christmas pinata, bids will only be accepted from children.
- The Rose-A-Fair will be held at St David’s Uniting Church, corner of Wilson and Olive Streets, Albury. The fair opens at 8am Saturday while the rose show starts from 10am.