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The Dahlia Challenge
The Dahlia Challenge was started in order to continue the traditions of Lakeside Gardens that was owned by Nick Koenig and his family. Lakeside Gardens in New Baltimore, Michigan grew Dahlias like Holland Michigan grows tulips. Although Lakeside Gardens no longer exists, a sampling of the many varieties of Dahlias that were grown are planted each year in a garden bed at the entrance to the Walter and Mary Burke Park in downtown New Baltimore. A plaque commemorating Nick Koenig as "America's Dahlia King" is located inside the flower bed. The flower bed is maintained to this day by members of the Koenig family. A park bench that sits on the top of the park steps was purchased in memory of Katherine Fisher, one of Nick Koenig's daughters. Dahlia tubers that are dug up in the fall from the flower bed are divided and then replanted the next spring. The additional tubers that develop during the growing season are then "adopted" by individuals at the Kick Off of the Dahlia Challenge at the NBFM's Annual 'Spring into Summer' Day ~ Plant & Flower Market on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend with the promise that they will make every effort to grow the dahlia at home. At the end of the summer, at the NBFM's Annual Kids & Family Day...the 3rd Sunday of September, all of the adoptees meet at the New Baltimore Farmers Market and bring a sample cutting (or potted plant) of their blooms. The blooms are judged by members of the Koenig family and prizes are awarded for the following categories: Largest Bloom , Most Colorful Bloom, Most Unique Bloom, Pretty & Petite, and Family Pick. Historical Photos: Lakeside Gardens & 'Dahlia City' of America
Attention Contestants:
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'Judging' of the 2020 Dahlia Challenge
is held at the Annual Kids & Family Day on September 27th at the NBFM Info Tent
(located within the market at the 'Front Entrance' at Main Street)
*The Judging of the Dahlia Challenge on September 27th MAY be adapted to a picture online voting depending upon the status of the COVID19 situation & Executive Order. Announcements will be made here and on our Facebook Page
Cuttings and live specimens (no photo entries when judged at the market site) will be accepted at the Dahlia Challenge table between 10 am & 11:45 am.
^ALL entries MUST arrive no later than 11:45 am^
Judging will be at noon with Winners Announced and Prizes Distributed Immediately on site. You will be able to retrieve your Dahlia to take home at 12:30.
is held at the Annual Kids & Family Day on September 27th at the NBFM Info Tent
(located within the market at the 'Front Entrance' at Main Street)
*The Judging of the Dahlia Challenge on September 27th MAY be adapted to a picture online voting depending upon the status of the COVID19 situation & Executive Order. Announcements will be made here and on our Facebook Page
Cuttings and live specimens (no photo entries when judged at the market site) will be accepted at the Dahlia Challenge table between 10 am & 11:45 am.
^ALL entries MUST arrive no later than 11:45 am^
Judging will be at noon with Winners Announced and Prizes Distributed Immediately on site. You will be able to retrieve your Dahlia to take home at 12:30.
