Imagine yourself immersed in fields of blooms, gorgeous greens, inspiring design — all with a British twist? Perhaps you’re at The Philadelphia Flower Show! This year’s event, held at the Philadelphia Convention Center — and incredibly easy to reach via Amtrak’s Keystone Service from Harrisburg to Philadelphia — runs through Sunday, March 10th.
My girlfriend and I hopped aboard Amtrak — one of the easiest and affordable ways to travel out of Harrisburg — and set our sights on The City of Brotherly Love.
Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Sponsor Booth
Our first stop was of course the Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Sponsor booth! Kids of all ages enjoyed playing our bean bag toss game and winning delicious HERSHEY’S KISSES as well as chances to win a $1,000 dream vacation to the Hershey Harrisburg region! Plus, like us, guests could get their picture taken with a giant HERSHEY’S KISS — and we saw many adults participate in this, not just kids!
We loved hearing guests chat about their own sweet memories of traveling to Hershey – either with their families as children, or more recently with their own children.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be a Sponsor of the 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show because it gives us a formal introduction to the Philadelphia Market before our major advertising campaign is executed in the spring,” said Robin Scaer, director of marketing for the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau. “Having a booth presence allows us to have a conversation with potential customers that we don’t typically get to have via traditional marketing.”
The booth’s focus this year coincides with the launch of a new marketing strategy to attract southeastern Pennsylvanians to our region, especially women, many of whom are those interested both in family friendly activities – from the amusement park to museums – to Girls’ Night Out type weekends that would focus on the terrific food and dining options found in the Hershey Harrisburg region (and beyond).
Portals: Talking Heads Beatles
Our representatives at the Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Sponsor booth chatted with guests about the region and our many attractions — not to mention how easy (and affordable) it can be to visit! While many guests shared memories of their childhood trips to Hershey, this allowed us to share the many changes that have been made since their last visit. Plus, many were surprised to realize how close Hershey and Harrisburg are to Philadelphia — close enough to tackle during a two-night stay!
We were thrilled to learn that more people knew about Harrisburg than we expected, and feedback was 100% positive!
Celebrity Blogger, Sara Bozich poses with the Queen of England
The Convention Center is transformed into something quite special for this week-long show. Impressive and exciting exhibits filled the main exposition hall — large, themed displays made of live blooms, industrial pieces and even a live model were major attractions. Our favorite display was “Portals: Talking Heads” a multi-piece Beatles display, each named for — and playing — a Beatles song, including, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “Yellow Submarine.”
In addition to the beautiful displays, vendors line the exposition hall, and you can learn about or purchase a variety of garden-related accessories and even plants and bulbs to start or enhance your own garden at home. Plus, shop in The British Village for authentic items from “across the pond.”
The Philadelphia Flower Show
The Philadelphia Flower Show also hosts a variety of guests throughout its week-long run. Still on tap include a Meet & Greet with “Real Housewives of New York’s” Ramona Singer, who will be launching her Ramona Red Sangiovese Merlot for the first time in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
On Sunday, singer Keith Harkin of Celtic Thunder will perform on the central “Big Ben Stage” at noon and 2 p.m.
For a full listing of vendors, events and exhibits, go to TheFlowerShow.com. And to see a hint of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg’s spring advertising campaign, click here to view their “Only 100 Smiles Away” ad located on the flower show website!
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