The Brookhaven Camellia Society will host its 70th show this Saturday at the Brookhaven Building (also known as the FEMA Building).

Yes, it has been 70 years since the Brookhaven Camellia Society was established in 1953 and today it is recognized as one of the most active chapters in the country by the American Camellia Society.

Note that the show has moved from The Homestead at Whittington Farms to the Brookhaven Building at 1154 Beltline Road near the airport for more space to display blooms and the plant sale of camellias.

Camellia blooms may be entered from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Plants will be sold by the Mizells Camelia Hill Nursery of Folsom beginning at 8:30 opportunity to add camellias to your garden or landscape. Public viewing will be 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. At the close of the event, the Lincoln County Master Gardeners will take the blooms to nine assisted living centers to share with their residents.

Camellia blooms are brought from not only Mississippi but nearby states to compete in various categories. Any camellia blooms are welcome whether you know the name or not.

The Siberian blast freeze experienced in December hit the camellias locally quite hard. Blooms this season have been scarce due to that harsh winter week but there will be plenty from growers further south to enjoy seeing at the show.

There are 80 prizes including some specifically for Lincoln County growers. There is a Youth 14-and-under category with four simple types to make it easy for them to participate — white, pink, red and striped. First-place youth winners will be presented camellias to plant by Mary Mizell of the Mizell’s Camellia Hill Nursery.

Entering blooms and public viewing is free thanks to the generosity of the many sponsors of the BCS.