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Jointly organized by the Greenville Camellia Society and the City of Greenville, the 2024 Greenville Camellia Show is set to take place at Beeland Park, Jan. 27-28. Recognized by the American Camellia Society, the park’s camellia garden is now part of the prestigious American Camellia Trail, alongside renowned locations like the Smithsonian Institute and Martha’s Vineyard.

“We are anticipating over a thousand blooms. You can enjoy the blooms on Saturday and Sunday and take a plant home to enjoy forever,” said Helena Shirley, Camellia Show Chairman.

Admission to the event is free. The contest welcomes novice and local growers to submit their blooms for judging. The schedule includes entry submissions and judging on Saturday, Jan. 27, followed by public viewing on both Saturday and Sunday. Plant sales will also be available on both days from 1-4 p.m.

Adding to the event’s charm, Camellia Bowl Queen Ms. Belle Airey from Slidell, Louisiana, will be a special guest.

Camellia Society President Jan Newton expects a strong turnout and hopes to eventually bring the show back to its former glory.

“By 1950, we had the largest Camellia show in the state, and it stayed like that year after year,” Newton said. “We’re so excited to be bringing this annual event back to our town.”

Glenn Stanley, former editor of The Greenville Advocate, played a key role in establishing Greenville as “The Camellia City” in 1938. Stanley advocated for widespread camellia planting, contributing to the camellia’s recognition as Alabama’s official bloom in 1959, thanks to the efforts of State Representative LaMont Glass.

As Greenville gears up for the 2024 Camellia Show, the town invites residents and visitors to Beeland Park on Jan. 27-28 for a weekend of camellia displays and community celebration.