2012 Pacific Orchid Exposition: A Salute to the Golden Gate

It isn’t every year that the largest orchid exhibition in the US shares an important anniversary with one of the most famous works of architecture; but, 2012 is one such year.

On February 23-26, 2012, the San Francisco Orchid Society’s 60th annual Pacific Orchid Exposition (POE) will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge. The festivities will combine the worlds of horticulture and architecture to form a celebration that will not be forgotten.

Can you imagine a San Francisco without a Golden Gate Bridge? It’s hard to do, but believe it or not, before the year 1937 the only way to cross the strait known as the “Golden Gate” was by ferry. The enormous and controversial project for the Bridge was taken on by the brave soul and architect Joseph B. Strauss in 1933. He sought help from architect Irving Morrow, who was responsible for the famous suspension design of the bridge, and designer Leon Moisseiff, who we all have to thank for that unmistakable orange color that stretches across the bay.

The orange color of the Bridge was chosen for multiple reasons. Initially it was selected to help the bridge stand out from its dense bed of fog. Bay Area residents also urged Moisseiff to do something that would set the Bridge apart from other works of architecture around the world. Moisseiff chose “International Orange” which has become synonymous with San Francisco.

The bridge was finally finished in 1937, measuring an astounding 230 meters in height and 1,970 meters in length. The week-long bridge opening celebrations began on May 27, with 200,000 people crossing the bridge by foot before vehicles were even allowed to cross. Mayor Angelo Rossi was the first to cross the bridge by vehicle, and the following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signaled the opening of the bridge to public traffic by pushing a button from his office in Washington, D.C.

Today, the bridge has become a worldwide symbol for the great state of California. It is now instantly recognizable and is featured in everything from literature, to cinema, to music and works of art. The San Francisco Orchid Society is happy to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of this architectural masterpiece, and the event is sure to be a colorful one, as both the Bridge and the orchids have become known for their vibrant colors and beauty. The San Francisco Orchid Society salutes the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and encourages everyone to come out and take part in this celebration of two great San Francisco traditions.


For event details visit: http://www.orchidsanfrancisco.org/poe.html