Community News: Orchids and Auctions

ORCHIDS ON DISPLAY: In addition to being one of the largest flower families, the orchid is also one of the most coveted — and a major player in Santa Barbara’s cultivated flora. For the past 70 years, the species has been celebrated at the three-day Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. This year’s theme is Celebrate with Orchids and includes garden exhibits and floral arrangements by top regional and international growers; a juried exhibit with orchids as the focus of fine art and photography; and heaps of regional, national, and international vendors selling blooming orchid plants, orchid-related art, and growing supplies for sale. Visitors can also participate in educational demonstrations and talk to expert and international consultant Bruce Kidd (also known as the “Orchid Doctor”), who can diagnosis and prescribe fixes for anyone who has a less-than-healthy orchid. The show takes place Friday-Sunday, March 13-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. Tickets are $12 (general), $10 (seniors/students), or free (kids younger than 12). See sborchidshow.com.

BACK TO THE 1980s: Since 1938, the Santa Barbara Boys & Girls Club has helped kids in the community reach their full potential by offering after-school and summer youth programs. To defray the cost of running the nonprofit, the B&G Club holds fundraisers, the annual Auction Gala being its largest. This year’s theme is the 1980s, and, along with the silent auction emceed by Chris Manning, an ’80s deejay from Gavin Roy Presents will be spinning the big hits from the big-hair era. The event takes place Saturday, March 14, 5:30 p.m., at Deckers, 250 Coromar Drive, Goleta. Tickets are $200. Call 962-2382 or see boysgirls.org.