Phalaenopsis Journal Third Quarter 21(1), 2011 | Page 15

The Seventeenth Phalaenopsis Symposium
Olie Garrison
Carlos Fighetti
H.P. Norton
Penang Moonbright
Yu Pin Dream Girl
Peter Lin
Left to Right: Carlos Fighetti, Carri Raven-Riemann,
Wes Higgins, Jayne Garrison, Barbara Noe, George Killgore,
Tom Harper, Lynn Fuller, Lester Pool, Cathy Rider and Jim Rider.
Phalaenopsis - Vol. 21(1), Third Quarter 2011
Enthusiastic orchidists from across the nation met in
Indianapolis’s historic Crowne Plaza hotel for the 2011
annual International Phalaenopsis Alliance Symposium, July
15-17, 2011. The event was opened on Thursday night with
a symposium pre-party hosted by Dick and Sandy Wells of
Hilltop Orchids. Spending the evening in the country in a
picturesque setting was just part of the fun awaiting guests,
who were invited to tour the greenhouse and lab, visit with
old and new friends, and indulge in a catered feast of
gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Friday morning began with a
breakfast meeting in the hotel’s Pullman Restaurant. All in-
terested parties were invited to eat breakfast with this group
led by Tom Harper whose agenda was master-minded by the
rest of the executive committee. High on many participants’
list was the Friday morning golf tournament at the
Indianapolis Country Club; $500 was raised and a good time
enjoyed by all. Other symposium guests explored the historic
sights of Indianapolis, including some of the state’s premier
museums and gardens. Judging took place Friday evening,
followed by a silent auction and a preview party with the
vendors. The two awards given were: Carri Raven-Riemann’s
Phal. Penang Moonbright ‘OrchidPhile’ AM/AOS and Tom
Harper’s Dtps. Yu Pin Dream Girl ‘Stones River Orchids’
HCC/AOS. Carri’s plant, Phal. Penang Moonbright, received
Best Grown Rosette and Tom’s Phal. Yu Pin Easter Island
received Best in Show Rosette.
Saturday, superb speakers filled both morning and
afternoon lectures with helpful and enjoyable information.
H.P. Norton’s lecture “Phalaenopsis micholitzii – What
Happens in Breeding” was appropriately retitled (by H.P.) to
“Mass Confusion”. Peter Lin’s “Novelty Hybridizing – Colors
Galore” followed his quest for complex mixtures of color and
patterns. Carlos Fighetti’s Overview of “Phalaenopsis Species”
brought us home to the basics. Peter Lin, H.P. Norton and
Carlos Fighetti all presented excellent symposium
presentations.
Packed between these inspiring sessions was the highly
anticipated mid-day auction which proved both entertaining
and profitable for the organization. Approximately $5,000
was raised by the auction. Participants broke away at the
end of the day for an evening out on the town, where many
fine Indianapolis restaurants awaited. Harry & Izzy’s was a
huge favorite. Sunday morning was full of last minute plant
purchases, making travel connections, and all those fond
farewells. Until next year … when another good time will be
had at Apopka, Florida. See you there.
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