MOBILE, Ala. – The Festival of Flowers will celebrate its 31st year in downtown Mobile’s Cathedral Square by proudly showcasing life-sized floral sculptures designed by seven local teams. With your vote, they will compete for the Festival of Flowers People’s Choice Award by highlighting the theme “Make Your Mark.” Produced by the Providence Foundation, the festival has an exciting lineup of events for everyone to enjoy. Donations are being accepted for entrance except for Saturday night’s Buds and Brews event. Funds raised will be used to purchase advanced medical equipment for USA Health Providence Hospital.

TEAMS
Barton Academy for Advanced World Studies 
Display: E.O. Wilson – A Barton Explorer
E.O. Wilson spent his career studying ants as a professor at Harvard University, but his passion for arthropods began during his childhood adventures outside in and around downtown Mobile. He is the epitome of a Barton Explorer. As a middle school student, he was the first to document the arrival of the invasive, non-native fire ant into the United States.

Life Enterprises 
Display: Eagle – Wings of Life
Eagles are represented as symbols of peace and freedom – a perfect way to symbolize the impact Wings of Life has had on many in Mobile. Wings of Life is a nonprofit, faith-based life recovery center that empowers individuals and families through spiritual enrichment, education and personal responsibility.

AMP UP ARTS – Mobile Arts Council and Chastang Fournier 
Display: Dr. Lonnie Johnson – Inventor and Engineer
This display will be a homage to Dr. Lonnie Johnson and his many accomplishments. He is best known as the inventor of the Super Soaker water gun, which is ranked in the world’s top 20 best-selling toys. Johnson was born and raised in Mobile.

Poarch Band of Creek Indians 
Display: Chief Calvin McGhee – Enduring Mvskoke Impact
The design will incorporate culturally significant elements of Poarch’s past, present and future. At the center of the design will be a sculpture of the beloved Chief Calvin McGhee. The background and landscape components of the design will signify the continual conservation efforts found at PCI’s Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve.

Revelry Bloom 
Display: Nall
Nall is an Alabama-born, world-renowned artist. This installation is a tribute to Nall, his art, life, and friendship in general. More specifically, it will be a nod to his “Peace Frame,” overlooking the Monaco Harbor. This piece was commissioned by H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco.

Zimlich’s Patio & Garden Center 
Display: Joe Cain We Are Here
Mobile Mardi Gras: the tradition started here. Joe Cain paraded through the city streets on a Tuesday in 1868, celebrating the day in front of the citizens of this city. Joe Cain Day is now commemorated as part of the scheduled Mardi Gras traditions in Mobile, with its center being the Joe Cain Procession (never called a parade).

Mobile County Master Gardeners 
Display: TBA
Early voting has started: $1 equals one vote. Learn more and vote today at FestivalofFlowers.com.

 

ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS 
Donation only to enter unless noted – Card, Cash, Venmo or PayPal

Friday, March 8 
9:45 a.m. – Ribbon cutting with city officials
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. – “Leave Your Footprint” book signing with Ann Bedsole
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Cathedral Café, live music from Symone French and lunch by Stevie’s Kitchen (Click here to preorder)
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – “Creating a Custom Planter” with Jade Sullivan
3 to 4 p.m. – “Caring for Your Garden” with Mobile County Master Gardeners
6 to 9 p.m. – Live music from The Wrong Terns during ArtWalk

Saturday, March 9 
9 to 11 a.m. – Exotic Car Show (rain date – March 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Noon to 12:30 p.m. – Live music from WKRG Meteorologist Grant Skinner
2 to 3 p.m. – “Gene’s Gold: The Story of the Aromi Azaleas” with Amelia Rose Zimlich
3 to 4 p.m. – Architectural walking tour with Craig Roberts (Meet in Festival of Flowers seminar tent)
3 to 4 p.m. – Live performance from Mobile Singing Children
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Buds and Brews with Brandon Green and Band (Click here to purchase tickets)

Sunday, March 10 
Noon to 1 p.m. – Live music with classical guitarist Mark Habib
1 to 2 p.m. – “Designing the Perfect Wreath for Spring and Easter” with Ginny Sprinkle
2  to 3 p.m. – “Creating the Perfect Outdoor Room” with Catherine Arensberg
3 to 5 p.m. – Welcome All Wags, bring your furry friend (leash required)

SELF-GUIDED GARDEN TOURS
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday 1-4 p.m.
All locations less than a mile away from Cathedral Square

Cornerstone Gardens and Arboretum 
1066 Government St.

Cathedral Garden 
2 S. Claiborne St.

Condé-Charlotte Museum 
104 Theatre St.

The Waring Texas Courtyard 
110 S. Claiborne St.

Richards-DAR House Museum 
256 N. Joachim St.