Founding of the Coronado Flower Show

In the spring of 1922, the Coronado Floral Association was founded by dedicated local gardeners and horticultural enthusiasts, led by civic leader Harold Taylor. Eager to celebrate the island's extraordinary microclimate and showcase the vibrant roses, sweet peas, and exotic sub-tropical flora that flourished in local gardens, the association organized the inaugural Coronado Flower Show in Spreckels Park.

Staged beneath massive circus-style canvas exhibition tents spanning an entire city block, the event was an immediate community sensation. Island residents competed in dozens of competitive floral categories, ranging from perfect single blooms and miniature arrangements to elaborate orchid displays, while every single residential and business garden in town was judged as part of the beloved citywide home garden contest.

Over more than a century of continuous annual presentation, the Coronado Flower Show grew into the largest tented flower show in the United States and the longest continuously running civic floral tradition in the nation. Held every April beneath the majestic shade trees of Spreckels Park, the show remains a living celebration of community pride and horticultural excellence.