The Philadelphia Flower Show 2022 will once again be at FDR Park

The Philadelphia Flower Show will return to FDR Park for 2022, according to an announcement from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), which hosts the annual event. The theme of the show will be In full bloom and will span 15 acres of South Philly Park. It is scheduled from June 11 to 19.

This is the second year in a row that the show will be held outdoors at FDR Park instead of the Convention Center, where it has been held for two dozen years and billed as the “biggest indoor flower show in the world. world “. The show was moved last year amid the coronavirus pandemic at a time when there was no clear timeline for a vaccine. It was the first time the show had taken place outdoors in its nearly 200-year history.

While more than 80% of adults in Philadelphia have now received at least one dose of the vaccine, PHS says “the continuing challenges and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic” played a leading role in choosing next year’s location.

“Public safety is a critical part of the upcoming show, and adhering to recommendations from city / state health officials is paramount in planning the show,” PHS said in a recent press release.

The CDC continues to encourage people to keep outdoor events, when possible. Before the pandemic, the show regularly attracted around 250,000 visitors per year. Attendance figures have not been released for 2021. PHS organizers note that FDR Park’s 15-acre space facilitates social distancing.

The change of venue, however, drew mixed reviews from attendees of the 2021 show. Some said the wider trails and open grassy areas made the experience less claustrophobic and there was more seating for sit at the Palais des congrès. But others said parking was more complicated, and not all appreciated the extra walking required by the layout. Traffic and long lines were also a problem.

PHS says it plans to make changes and improvements to the 2022 show based on feedback from visitors, staff and stakeholders, including changes to parking, ticketing, traffic and overall design .

“There were a few complaints and we didn’t necessarily get it all right the first time outside, but we’re hoping to improve,” said Sam Lemheney, PHS Head of Shows and Events. “There are always big events going on, but we worked with the sports venues there to pick the dates [for 2022], and chose a schedule that we thought was the best for everyone. “

This year’s theme, In full bloom, is designed to explore the healing and healing power of nature and plants and to show how gardening can improve lives. “So many people have looked into horticulture and got involved in gardening to help them get through the pandemic. It’s a little ironic about it – how did you stay in full bloom during the pandemic and how did your garden stay in full bloom during the pandemic? Lemheney said.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in early fall. At this time, tickets will not be valid for designated time slots as they were last year, Lemheney said.

For show updates, visit PHS official website or subscribe to the PHS mailing list here.

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