This year’s Golden State Bonsai Federation Convention consisted of two exhibits – a general exhibit and a judged exhibit in which entries are subject to judging and eligible for cash prizes. From the convention website:

Any member of a bonsai club that is in good membership standing with the Golden State Bonsai Federation may enter a bonsai in this competition (this includes contiguous state affiliated clubs). Entries are limited to one per person in any of four categories. Cash awards will be made in the amount of $200 in each of the categories (Conifer, Deciduous, Broad-leaved evergreen, Shohin) and $200 for a People’s Choice Award and $500 for Best of Show to be chosen from the winners of the other categories. Winners shall be determined by a panel of judges that shall be the headliners of the Convention Program [Peter Tea, David DeGroot and Kathy Shaner], and the People’s Choice Award shall be determined by popular vote of the attendees to the Convention. The decision of the judges and the popular vote shall be final.

I’m very happy to see GSBF sponsoring a judged event and hope that over time more and more enthusiasts will participate. Here are some highlights from the judged exhibit, first among them, a tree that won Best Conifer, the People’s Choice Award and Best in Show – wow! Congratulations go to Rick Trumm – who also took home the ABS John Y. Naka Award, Hobbyist Division – for his work on this beautiful Sierra juniper.