Celebrating the first blooms of the roses and raising money for the Richmond Rose Garden was the goal of 1stBLOOM&GLOW, and it all happened in glorious fashion. With the help of the many volunteers and Mother Nature the garden looked spectacular. Volunteers worked all week making sure the garden was ready for the sold-out crowd. Many walking the garden said it had never looked better.
Title sponsor 3Rivers along with the $1000 sponsors: Belden, Health Care Professional Credit Union, Paul Lingle Foundation, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and the 72 other sponsors and donors donated record amounts of money to help with maintenance of the garden.
Even though the event had to be moved to the next evening because of weather, Thursday was a perfect evening for all to enjoy the roses, food, beverages, entertainment, and of course the hot air balloons that glowed at dark. The crowd, who could watch the balloons for free, which was estimated over 2,000 could be up close to the balloons with even some children able to get into the balloon basket.
Guests strolled through the garden sampling food from 6 areas caterers: Maria Mitrione, Cater Box, Corner Café, Sweet Blessings, Ullery’s Ice Cream, and Radford’s. Wine and beer were sold by the Cordial Cork and Roscoe’s and music was provided by Pat O’Neil.
The evening ended with the 5 hot air balloons and a special shaped balloon Little D glowing for the cheering crowd.
Save the date for next year’s 1stBLOOM&GLOW –
JUNE 7th 2023.
