Hundreds of orchid plants owned by the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, as well as individual and commercial orchid growers, will transform the Conservatory into a tropical wonderland where instead of King Boreas, orchids rule. Besides witnessing the beautiful plants and displays, vendors will be offering plants and other wares.

Now in its 45th year, the Winter Carnival Orchid Show has become the premier winter event for orchid lovers throughout the Midwest, attended by nearly 5,000 orchid enthusiasts. Perhaps in response to those long cold winters, Minnesotans are avid plants-men and women and welcome the chance to see and purchase something out of the ordinary.

The Orchid Society of Minnesota and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory work together to exhibit the largest display of privately owned orchids in the region. The Winter Carnival Orchid Show is an American Orchid Society (AOS) judged event. Orchid judges from throughout the Midwest travel to Saint Paul to bestow awards and points.

The Winter Carnival Orchid Show will be held on January 26 and 27 at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12 ($1 off admission for Como Friends Members or for visitors with Winter Carnival button).