Hamilton’s iconic Mum Show kicks off next week for its 100th year — and it’s free

Hamilton | Ontario | Latest News |

Published October 15, 2020 at 3:08 pm

Hamilton’s breathtaking and iconic Fall & Garden Mum show kicks off next week and if the prospect of a brilliant Autumn display isn’t enough to lift your spirits, the free admission might.

Hamilton’s breathtaking and iconic Fall & Garden Mum show kicks off next week and if the prospect of a brilliant Autumn display isn’t enough to lift your spirits, the free admission might.

Earlier this month, City Council voted to waive the traditional $7.25 admission fee to the event held at the Gage Park Tropical Green House, after Ward 6 councillor Tom Jackson suggested it as a “gesture of goodwill” during a time of tumult.

Initially, a staff report in front of the Public Works Committee recommended a reduction in admission fees but Jackson felt the city could go a bit further in supporting residents and lifting their spirits during the pandemic.

His suggestion gained unanimous support from the committee and ultimately City Council. Depending on the number of attendees, this initiative will cost the city between $24,000 and $33,000.

This is the show’s 100th year, and while things are scaled back somewhat to prevent the spread of the virus, what won’t change is the stunning fall flowers in all their glory.

The show features hundreds of varieties of Chrysanthemums, and tens of thousands of blooms and has a different theme each year.

This year’s theme, which is particularly poignant given that we’re currently entering the second wave of the pandemic, is Thanking Front Line Workers.

Missing this year will be interactive displays, an activity area, vendors, and all events and programming. The cafe will also not operate this year.

So while admission is free, attendees will have to book a time to visit the greenhouse for the show, to limit the number of people in the building at a time.

Physical distancing protocols will be in place and masks/face coverings will be required inside at all times, as per the city’s masking bylaw.

The show runs from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1. Further details about the show and reservations can be made here.

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