Flower power

For some time now, the one thing that says "summer" to me more than anything else is the annual Newport Flower Show. Put on at the end of June by the Preservation Society of Newport County - this year its being held at their most Gatsby-eque property, Rosecliff - the show is a celebration of everything that's best about summer in Newport, and is the closest thing to a county fair that we have here. But what a county...! Instead of 4-H displays and agricultural charts, you'll find sumptuous six-foot tall flower arrangements - playful topiaries - numerous horticultural lectures and demonstrations - and my own personal favorite, dozens & dozens of booths featuring all kinds of unique, high end shopping opportunities. Want one of a kind, artist-designed jewelry? Check. Want exotic garden accessories? Check. How about some scrumptiously colorful designer clothes - like Nina Mclemore's showstopping summer collection? Check and check again. It all can be found right there at the Flower Show.

All of Newport turns out for the fun, and for one glorious weekend social divisions fall by the wayside. Ladies who lunch rub elbows with tattooed bikers. Baileys Beach mixes it up with Broadway. Even the chauffeurs chat with the bus drivers. Everybody goes, and all go for the same reason - to step out of the confines of their usual day-to-day, to marvel at the returning miracle of summer, and to mingle on the empyrean lawns of Rosecliff. Down in front of the balustrade that divides the fairgrounds from the foaming Atlantic, the band strikes up. And another summer begins.