The Coronado Flower Show is a cherished community tradition that has blossomed since 1922. What began as a simple idea to unite a divided town has grown into Southern California’s premier flower show and the largest tented flower show in the nation.

The Roots of the Show

In the early 1920s, Coronado was experiencing political tensions between business factions, notably between the influential Spreckels family and Wilmot Grifiss, the vice president of the local bank. This feud strained community relations and created divisions among residents. In response, Maude Taylor conceived the idea of hosting a community flower show to bring people together. She persuaded her husband, Harold Taylor, to take on the project. Harold served as the show's organizer from its inception and as president of the Coronado Floral Association for the next decade.

Growth and Community Support

The first flower show was held in East Plaza (now Spreckels Park) in 1922. In its early years, the event was sustained solely by private donations. Local schools loaned desks and typewriters; the Hotel del Coronado provided trellises and tables; and even Boy Scout troops camped in the park to provide security. By 1932, the growing popularity of the show led to the introduction of a modest admission fee to offset costs. The following year, a parade featuring floats and bands was added, led by the Coronado Rotary Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion.