James Burrage, of Marvel’s Flowers in Killeen, Texas, works on an arrangement during the 52nd annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition. The deadline to enter this year’s competition is Aug. 5.
The Sylvia Cup Design Competition has long been recognized as the longest-running, live floral competition in the nation. It started in 1967 when the Society of American Florists instituted the Sylvia Award in memory of Sylvia MacGuffog Valencia, AAF, one of the floral industry’s leading designers and businesswomen. Valencia was also a charter member of the American Academy of Floriculture, a respected carnation grower and a longtime supporter of SAF.
This year’s 53rd annual Sylvia Cup takes place Sept. 7 at SAF Orlando 2022. Want to let your design skills shine? The deadline to enter is Aug. 5. Click here for more information.
Each year the Professional Floral Communicators International (PFCI) board of trustees comes up with a surprise theme to help inspire the contestants. Past themes have included the Wizard of Oz, Elvis, and pirates. Last year the theme was “artistry through mythology” and PFCI board of trustees members, including Jenny Thomasson, AIFD, PFCI, EMC, AAF and Theresa Colucci, AAF, AIFD, PFCI (pictured here), dressed as Greek gods and roamed the room overseeing the competition.
The fresh product for the Sylvia Cup is sponsored by Certified American Grown. Design supplies are sponsored by Smithers-Oasis. Each contestant receives an equal number of the same varieties of flowers and foliage, as well as the same containers and supplies, for their designs.
Contestants have just two hours to complete three design challenges. During that time, the public is invited to watch, and during the last hour, commentators decked out in themed costumes talk about the featured products and the challenges.
Jenna Naylor Temple, AIFD, CFD, GMF, owner of Bloom with Jenna in Grayson, Georgia, won the 52nd annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition last year. The grand prize winner is announced at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner and receives an engraved silver trophy, a $3,000 cash prize sponsored by Smithers-Oasis, and complimentary registration to SAF’s next convention. The first runner-up receives $500, and the second runner up receives $250.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the managing editor of SAF NOW.