International Orchid Show cancels with thousands of plants and people in motion

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show had one of its most spectacular displays in place for the 75th show when the decision was made to call it off.

Today was a judging day at the Earl Warren Showgrounds and a kick off gala was set for Friday night along with a weekend of displays, sales and educational sessions.

Now everything is being dismantled.

Organizers say they have people from around the world on site.

The decision was made by the Earl Warren Showgrounds Board of Directors. Other announcements on future events are also expected today.

Many of the local vendors say they are still planning open house tours this weekend, mainly in Carpinteria.

Some of the attendees who are packing up are also canceling their hotel reservations and do not plan to stay in town.

Orchid Show Manager Nancy Melekian said, "we really thought we could get through the weekend with our 75th annual show  with all of the people that love orchids  but it was not to be.

Orchid vendor Angelic Nguyen was disappointed. It is her 14th year. She said, "I think it is a very small percentage but the risk is all it takes is one person to spread it out. It is a hard decision but we should. For the international vendors this is a big loss for them we try to help to buy all of these and then try to ship them"

There were orchids here you would not normally see anywhere else.
This is the peak season.

Melekian said, "the flowers are beautiful they are blooming."