Rhododendrons in a Victorian Seaport: Western Regional Conference
Jerry Reynolds
Arcata, California

"Rhododendron in a Victorian Seaport" will be the theme of the 19th annual Western Regional Conference, to be held Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 in Eureka, Calif. The Eureka Chapter will be the host chapter, with conference headquarters at the historic Eureka Inn. The Western Regional was last held in Eureka in 1993.

Conference Chair Nelda Palmer and her committee already have lined up major speakers - Ann Lovejoy and Dr. Leonard O. Miller will highlight the program, along with Saturday workshops and tours. Among those scheduled to lead sessions are Hank Schannen, Steve Hootman, Jerry Harris, Merle Sanders, Mike Bones, Frank Wan and Clint Smith. Additional speakers will be added before the program is finalized.

In addition to the Saturday night banquet, when Dr. Miller will present "Rhododendrons in Oklahoma," the program will include a pre-opening traditional Native American Salmon Bake. The Thursday evening event, expected to be held in Patrick's Point State Park on the coast near Eureka, will feature traditional Yurok story telling and dancing.

An art show, a photography competition open to conference attendees, garden tours and other events are being planned. The plant sale will feature rhododendrons and companion plants.

Eureka is located on the rugged Northern California coast. The weather in early October is almost always perfect. Additional information will be available as plans are completed. Brochures will be available at the ARS convention in Bellevue, Wash., and registration information will be in the summer Journal.