Top 3 Overall

#1.  Luv U Pink

 #2. Princettia White

 #3. J. Adore White Pearl

#1 Red – Christmas Mouse
#2 Red – Imperial Red
#3 Red – Orion Early Red
#4 Red – Red Elf
#5 Red – Toro Red

#1 White- Princettia White
#2 White- J Adore White Pearl
#3 White- Alaska White
#4 White- Frozen
#5 White- Jack Frost

#1 Pink – Luv U Pink
#2 Pink – Princettia Queen Pink
#3 Pink – Polly’s Pink Early
#4 Pink – Christmas Chorus HotPink
#5 Pink – Princettia Queen Hot Pink

#1 Novelty – Ice Punch
#2 Novelty – Princettia Sparkling Rose
#3 Novelty – Candy Cane
#4 Novelty – Winter Rose Dark Red
#5 Novelty – Early Elegance Glitter

This past season, we embarked on a journey that celebrated the timeless beauty of poinsettias and deepened the bonds within our community. From November 20 to December 10, 2024, our Poinsettia Viewing and Voting event blossomed accordingly.

Imagine over 12,000 poinsettias, each meticulously nurtured and showcased in 85 diverse varieties. This was a relentless pursuit of excellence. Each variety was presented with three labeled plants, inviting customers and employees to engage in judging.

Our judging process was simple yet inclusive. Participants were invited to evaluate each variety across four categories: novelty, red, white, and pink. The top five favorites in each category emerged through the collective voice of our community.

But we didn’t stop there. We wanted to capture the essence of individual preference, so we included a fill-in section for three overall favorites. The result? A rich tapestry of opinions, preferences, and connections to these beautiful plants.

What’s truly inspiring is the scale of participation. With 229 voters, that’s 114 more than last year, we witnessed a surge in engagement that speaks volumes about our community’s enthusiasm. Each first-place vote carried five points, second place four, and so on, allowing us to rank the top three overall favorites meticulously. This points system wasn’t just a method; it reflected the diverse voices that make our community unique.

Our initial outreach was a symphony of channels, each playing its part to ensure our event resonated far and wide. Ads graced the pages of the Weekly Independent, The Stokes News, Mount Airy News, The Pilot, Yadkin Ripple, and Yadkin Valley Living Magazine.

We became part of the King Chamber of Commerce’s calendar of events, the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Members Facebook group. We also connected with by the North Carolina Agritourism Networking Association, Tourism in Stokes County, Surry County Tourism, and Stokes Surry Businesses. Our digital presence was a cornerstone of our outreach strategy. An article by Scott in The Stokes News highlighted our efforts. At the same time, our website, Mitchell’s Nursery, and our vibrant Facebook community of over 11,700 followers and Instagram family of 1,800 enthusiasts kept the conversation alive. Our eNewsletter reached loyal customers, ensuring that no one missed a moment of the excitement.

But beyond the numbers and the reach, what truly defines our success is the spirit of participation. This event was more than a survey; it was a celebration of what makes our community thrive. It was about recognizing the beauty in diversity, the joy in participation, and the strength in collective decision-making.

So, what did we learn? We learned that when you invite your community to be part of something, magic happens. We saw creativity flourish in the novelty category, tradition shine in the red, purity in the white, and grace in the pink. Each vote was a story, each opinion a piece of a larger narrative that celebrates not just poinsettias, but the people who cherish them.

As we reflect on this year’s event, we’re not just proud of the numbers; we’re inspired by the connections forged and the memories created. But we’re not stopping here. We believe in continuous improvement, in evolving alongside our community’s needs and desires. If you have suggestions on how to make our future events even more engaging, we’re all ears. Your feedback is the fertilizer that helps us grow.

It’s where beauty meets community, tradition meets innovation, and every vote is a testament to what we can achieve.

As the season wraps up and the last petals fall, we carry forward the lessons learned and the connections made. Here’s to the poinsettias that brightened our days, the voters who shared their hearts, and the community that continues to inspire us every day. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue to grow the Triad together.