QBARS - v24n1 You are Cordially Invited to Attend

You Are Cordially Invited To Attend
John G. Lofthouse, Publicity Chairman
A.R.S. National Convention - 1970

Vancouver, Canada's great Western seaport, is the site of the 1970 American Rhododendron Society National Convention. And a beautiful and exciting city it is! Dominated by snow­capped mountains to the North, surrounded by the blue Pacific, containing fabulous parks and well cared for gardens. It has the sophistication of elegant restaurants and night clubs, fine shops, theatres and brilliant archi­tecture. Come to our Convention and stay as long as time will allow. There is much to do and see. You will have a grand time.

The focal point of our Convention is the luxurious Bayshore Inn. The Bayshore was featured in Life magazine a few years ago as one of the world's most beautiful hotels. Registration begins at 12:00 noon Friday, May 15, 1970. As our first function starts at 8:00 P.M., you will have plenty of time to spend a pleasant afternoon discovering world famous Stanley Park, within ten minutes walk from your hotel. Stanley Park features forest trails, marine walks, and mountain views all within the heart of a city. You can visit a zoo, aquarium, beautiful gardens, ocean beaches, a lake, a lagoon, and see deep sea ocean vessels entering and leaving our harbor. Or, if shopping is your desire, visit Vancouver's downtown area. There is free bus service from your hotel for this short trip. But be sure to leave plenty of time for a leisurely dinner before our "get acquainted hour" at 8:00 P.M. You will have a choice of three restaurants, the exciting Polynesian atmosphere of Trader Vic's, the traditional cuisine of the Poolside Terrace Grill, or the exciting new Theatre restaurant now being completed.

Fig. 3.  Lloyd Smith, President Vancouver Chapter A.R.S., host chapter for the 1970 A.R.S. National Convention.

Our Convention officially opens Sat­urday, May 16, at 9:30 A.M., with Mr. Lloyd Smith's, Vancouver's A. R. S. president, welcoming address. The highlights of our program are covered in Dr. R. Rhode's article, "Theme for the 1970 Convention." So this will not be repeated here. You will note our business sessions have been stream­lined, with the accent on information and your interests. After luncheon at the Bayshore Inn on Sunday, May 17, a visit to Queen Elizabeth Park and the University of British Columbia will take place. Queen Elizabeth Park is located on one of the highest points of the city, Little Mountain. Once an old rock quarry, this has been made into one of the finest gardens anywhere, by the capable staff of the Vancouver Parks Board. This park commands a panoramic view of Vancouver, surrounding mountains, and the sea, and will be a scenic thrill long remembered. Here has been constructed a multi-million dollar tropical conservatory in the form of an air-conditioned plastic dome. Fountains, streams, and planters are features of an outdoor plaza. Many rhododendrons are on display here. In the conservatory will be a rhododendron show by the Vancouver A. R. S. members.

At the University of B.C., you will see one of the finest collections of rhododendrons on the continent. It has extensive plantings from the Greig collection. The rhododendrons of the Species Foundation are collected and propagated here. If time permits, we will visit the Nitobe Memorial Gardens, one of the finest Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Nearby is Totem Park housing an excellent collection of Indian Totems etc.

Monday is national holiday in Canada, Victoria Day. Plan to celebrate it with us. Your morning will be free, but in the afternoon a tour is planned (at nominal cost) to other notable sights around Vancouver, concluding with a gondola ride (sky ride) up Grouse Mountain. You will dine "high in the sky" overlooking the thrilling sight of Vancouver at night.

Tuesday, a post convention tour by ship and bus is being planned. From Vancouver by ship to Vancouver Island. South by way of the panoramic Malahat Drive to Victoria, including a visit to Butchart's Gardens, Saanich Experimental Research Station. We return to Vancouver through the lovely Gulf Islands.

This will conclude our organized activities. But if time permits, don't leave yet! Extend your visit for a few more days and see more of Vancouver and British Columbia. We are a friendly group, and will do our best to help you really enjoy your holiday. See you soon!