Steamy summer vibes boost BP flower show

The organizers of the 2026 American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Flower Show in Blooming Prairie could not possibly have predicted how accurate their theme would be, but Summer Vibes was spot-on.

About 140 tickets were sold, up significantly from the past few years – maybe because the number of exhibits was also a big one: 115.

“We usually have about 100 (entries),” said Deb Lindquist. “The hot weather must have boosted all the flowers, and people were in the mood to bring them.”

A couple of other things were different this year, including the team approach to organizing the event.

Lindquist was joined by Leanne Hanson, Karen Beede and Julie Hoffman.

“Karen’s stepping down, and she was nice enough to make this binder for everybody of how to run this show,” Lindquist said. “She stuck with us to answer questions, so that was awesome.”

Beede has handled most of the responsibilities for several years.

Next year, she said, “I’ll work in the background. It works out just fine that way.”

Also new was the luncheon format – the meal served at the table, family-style.

“With mobility issues, and trying to balance” plates and cups and glasses in a buffet line, “we thought, let’s try this,” Lindquist said, “and it seems to be working just fine.”

Proceeds go to the American Legion ladies auxiliary, “then we give it to different veteran programs,” she said.

Lindquist found her way into the auxiliary “because I love the flower show, and then the ladies said, ‘you just need to come to a meeting.’ So I did.”

There were 13 raffle baskets this year, adding to the total raised at the July 16 event. Door prizes were the table centerpieces, which were designed and grown by Hoffman. They featured tiny sand pails with live flowers, surrounded by beach décor such as shells, starfish and colored glass pebbles.

“This all happens due to the generosity of so many more volunteers who help with planning, food preparation, signing in exhibits, collecting raffle items, distributing flyers and so much more,” Lindquist said.

Grand Champion went to Lisa Place, with a lily; People’s Choice was also a lily – one stem with multiple lilies, entered by Kimberly Peterson.

Judges were Nancy Peterson, of Blooming Prairie, and Lorrie Rugg, a master gardener from Owatonna.

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BP Flower Show Winners

Grand Champion:  Lisa Place, a lily from the Lily class

Reserve Champion:  Doug Edge, a Crown of Thorns plant from the House Plant class

People’s Choice: Kimberly Peterson, one stem with multiple lilies

Class 1 Gladiolus: 1^st Premium – Doug Edge; 2^nd Premium – Doug Edge

Class 2 Roses: 1^st – Julie Hoffman; 2^nd – Doug Edge

Class 3 Garden Flower Annuals:

Lot A Snapdragons

1^st – Michelle Krell; 2^nd – Deb Lindquist

Lot B Zinnia

1^st – Karen Peterson; 2^nd – Joyce Peterson; 3^rd – Joyce Peterson

Lot C Petunia

1^st – Deb Lindquist; 2^nd – Martha Waters; 3^rd – Louise Peterson

Lot D Marigold

1^st – Prairie Manor Residents; 2^nd – Deb Lindquist; 3^rd – Deb Lindquist

Lot E Sunflower

1^st – Michelle Krell; 2^nd – Michelle Krell

Lot F Dahlia

1^st – Michelle Krell; 2^nd – Michelle Krell; 3^rd – Prairie Manor Residents

Lot G Other

1^st – Deb Lindquist; 2^nd – Deb Lindquist; 3^rd – Karen Peterson

Class 4 Garden Flowers Perennials:

Lot A Black-Eyed Susan

1^st – Louise Peterson; 2^nd – Martha Walters; 3^rd – Joyce Peterson

Lot B Daisy

1^st – Deb Lindquist

Lot C Coneflower

1^st – Martha Walter; 2^nd – Deb Lindquist; 3^rd – Deb Lindquist

Lot D Hosta Leaf

1^st – Martha Walters; 2^nd – Karen Peterson; 3^rd – Karen Peterson

Lot E Hydrangea

1^st – Karen Peterson; 2^nd – Deb Lindquist; 3^rd – Doug Edge

Lot F Lily

1^st – Lisa Place; 2^nd – Karen Peterson; 3^rd – Kimberly Peterson

Lot G Other

1^st – Linda Christianson; 2^nd – Janet Miller; 3^rd – Louise Peterson

Class 5 Arrangements:

Lot A Mini Arrangement under 8”

1^st – Arlene Johnson; 2^nd – Linda Christianson; 3^rd – Doug Edge

Lot B large mixed arrangement over 8”

1^st – Louise Peterson; 2^nd – Martha Walters; 3^rd – Michelle Krell

Lot C – wildflowers; no entries received

Lot D Other

1^st – Pat Misgen; 2ⁿ – Brad Trom

Class 6 House Plants: 1^st – Doug Edge; 2^nd – Deb Lindquist; 3^rd – Joann Nielsen

Class 7 Outdoor Potted Plants: 

Lot A Single specimen

1^st – Deb Lindquist; 2^nd – Joanne Sorenson; 3^rd – Deb Lindquist

Lot B – Mixed Specimen

1^st – Deb Lindquist; 2^nd – Deb Lindquist

Class 8 Succulents: 1^st – Joanne Neilsen

Class 9 Fairy Garden: no entries