We had a total of 92 entries in the competition (26 floral arrangements and 76 container gardens) and 10 celebrity entries.  Judging began at 9 AM and went well past noon when the Sneak Preview began.

Fifty-four people came for the Sneak Preview and 93 attended the evening reception and auction.  Every attendee was given the opportunity to cast a ballot for the Peoples’ Choice Award and to purchase items in The Store.  We added The Store to sell locally crafted items such as cards, garden art, mosaic pots, and By the Way a collection of photography by Tom Weingeist.

The first place, Best of Show, and People's Choice entries were auctioned in a live auction. Our auctioneer was Brent Wears. We also auctioned the celebrity entries, a trellis rough hewn garden bench, garden party, a stain glass window, and the miniature floral entries. The event was fast paced with the silent auction section closing before 7 p.m. when the live auction began.

We had many volunteers, UAY staff, and youth who contributed time and entries that made the event a success. Tom Weingeist took pictures of the winning entries, Tareq Abuissa provided cello music during the opening of the reception, and UAY youth and staff made mosaic or painted pots and entered the competition. The Iowa City Junior Service League memebers volunteered to check-in and arrange all entires plus help during the reception. UAY Staff were on hand to talk to our guests about UAY and our fabulous youth and youth programs.

Click here to view even MORE pictures of last years winners!