08/31/2026
From His Father’s Garden to the Carolina Classic Fair
Few people in the Triad know as much about growing flowers as Jimmy. When he was 6 years old, he attended the Stokes County Fair in King with his father. But as a child, he wasn’t a fan of growing produce and to***co.
“My dad asked if I wanted to exhibit to***co at the fair? I didn't know what he meant, but he showed me how to prepare the leaves for display and I won first place - $5. To a 6 year old, I thought I was rich." Now I grow so many things that my sister and brother have joked that if my father came back to life and saw how much I grow now, he would die again,” he chuckles.
For Jimmy, exhibiting his flowers and vegetables is more than a competition; it’s his way of holding on to tradition. Growing up in the '60s and ’70s, his father taught him the importance of growing crops for money and vegetables that would feed their family and the elderly neighbors in their community who didn’t have the money to purchase fresh food. They froze and canned the surplus so they would have food throughout the winter.
Once he got older, Jimmy stopped growing for a while. It wasn’t until a couple of years after high school he got back into growing, and now, it’s about much more than produce.
“I love flowers. I look for nice blooms, clean leaves and no insect damage. It’s not a set-it-and-forget-it hobby. This is something you have to take care of, and I love tending to my garden.”
Now, Jimmy is excited to share this passion with others at the Carolina Classic Fair. For years, he has been an exhibitor in Competitive Entries at the Carolina Classic Fair, but this year, he is stepping into the role of Flower Show Superintendent.
“Whether you are an avid gardener or just have a few flowers at your home, we want the community to showcase their best blooms, especially the youth! I don’t want people to feel their flowers and plants aren’t good enough. If it looks good to you, then enter it. It’s about honoring the time and effort you put into your plants, flowers, and arrangements.”
With over $225,000 in prize money, Competitive Entries has a category for everyone.
“I encourage people to exhibit. We are a friendly, easygoing group, and we want the youth, new growers, and the experienced growers to feel welcome.”
If you or someone you know loves to plant or make art, send them this link. We would love to see their creations displayed at the Carolina Classic Fair this year.
