FLORENCE, Ore. (AP) - It's been billed as the largest Rhododendron Flower Show on the West coast -- if not in the country.

The 101st annual Rhododendron Festival in Florence opens this Thursday, May 15. Click here for events.

Click here for more southwest Oregon events

The Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is one of the largest and most active.

Trusses can be brought to the Florence Events Center for judging by 8:30 Saturday morning. The show opens to the public at 1 p.m. that afternoon and will be open until 6 p.m.

Sunday's hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chapter President Mike Bones says there's no cost to enter a flower -- and no admission charge to the show.

Download brochure here

According to the Library of Congress:

"The Florence Rhododendron Festival celebrates the arrival of spring. The pioneers believed that the bloom of the rhododendrons meant that summer was around the corner and the cold and rain of winter would soon end. The festival was first held in 1908. Because modes of transportation have changed since then, the festival has changed too. To get to the festival back then many people took stagecoaches pulled by horses; a few years later, they arrived by train on the new railroad. By the 1940s automobiles were common, and that's how most people got to Florence. By 1960, automobiles were so popular that the festival began to feature a show for fancy sports cars. Another popular event was the motorcycle races. For the past 20 years, "bikers" (the casual name for motorcycle riders) have come to Florence from all over the West Coast to watch the races and see old friends. And, of course, they come to enjoy the beautiful rhododendrons."

Daily Events, Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 18

Davis Amusement Carnival
Wednesday - Sunday at the Port Parking Lot in Old Town Florence.

Siuslaw Pioneer Museum History Display
Tuesday - Sunday. Noon - 4 pm at the Museum on Corner of Maple & 2nd St.
Special display - Rhododendron Festivals 1908-present.
Info: 997-7884

ODOT Illumination Display
Friday & Saturday 8:30 pm at the northwest end of the bridge.

Three Rivers Casino RV Super Show
All Day Friday thru Sunday at Three Rivers Casino.

Elks Chicken Barbecue
Saturday and Sunday, 11 am until gone at Elks Lodge Parking Lot on 1686 12th St.

48th Annual Florence Arts & Crafts Association Show and Sale
Saturday, May 17, 9 am - 5 pm; and Sunday, May 18, 9 am - 4:30 pm at Three Rivers Casino. Raffle items. All entries delivered to the Casino by Friday, May 16, 4 to 6 p.m. Will also feature Youth Art Exhibit.
Info: 997-5930

American Rhododendron Society Rhody Festival Show
Entries to be accepted from 7-10 am Saturday.
Show: Saturday, 1 pm - 5 pm; and Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm at Florence Events Center.

ODOT Indoor Safety Fair
Friday, 3 - 7 pm; and Saturday 11 am - 5 pm at Florence City Hall.

Y Marina Boat Show
Friday thru Sunday, 9:30 - 5:30 pm in the parking lot at Oregon First Community Credit Union.

Vendor Fair
May 16-18 in Sears Parking Lot.

Thursday Events, May 15

Dress Rehearsal - $1
7 pm at Florence Events Center.
Info: Lori Boshaw, 991-1121

Local Chowder Cook-off
5:30 - 7 pm at Florence Events Center.

Distinguished Sponsor Reception
5:30 - 7 pm at Florence Events Center.
Honoring Chamber Distinguished Sponsors.

Friday Events, May 16

Classic Car Show
3 - 7 pm at Three Rivers Casino .

Coronation - Admission $15
7:00 pm at the Florence Events Center. Court: Jessica Dodson, Samantha Lyn-Metz, Brynne Sapp, Reyna Gutierrez, Meggan Haslett, Kelsie Wells, Carrie Abrahamson, Susannah Carroll, Crystine Cole.
Master of Ceremony: Ned Hickson, Siuslaw News.
Info: 991-1121

Saturday Events, May 17

ODOT Outdoor Safety Fair
Bicycle Safety & Archeological Dig.
11 am - 3pm

30th Annual 5k & 10k Rhody Run
Registration at 7 am at the Siuslaw High School Track. Race at 9 am.
Info: 997-9201

16th Annual Rhododendron
Show ‘n’ Shine Car Show
Registration at 8 am. Viewing from 10 am - 4 pm at Grocery Outlet Center, 21st & Hwy 101. Sponsored by Beachkomber’s Car Club.
Info: 997-2236

17th Annual Siuslaw Rod & Gun Club Rhody Gun Show
10 am - 4 pm at the Rod & Gun Club on Munsel Lake Rd.
Info: 997-8914

Ladies of the Elks Pie & Plant Sale
Pie Sale: 11 a.m.’til gone.
Plant Sale: Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm
Sunday, 9 am - noon at 1686 12th St

KCST Coast Radio Car Cruise
7 - 8:30 pm - Old Town closed for Car Cruise.
Register 8 am - noon at Show ‘N’ Shine on Saturday; $5 donation fee; proceeds go to Siuslaw Valley Firefighters. Cruise forms at Florence Christian Church at 2nd and Ivy beginning at 5:30 pm.
Judging starts at 6 pm and will conclude by 6:30 pm.
Info: 997-9136

Lil’ Cutie Contest Awards Ceremony
3 pm at Siuslaw Elementary School Gym, 2221 Oak St.
Info: 997-8055

Rhody Festival Junior Parade
Assemble at Siuslaw High School on Oak St. Parade Begins at noon. Parade route is from High School to Middle School.
Sponsored by the Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue.

Kiwanis Kids Games
Right after the Junior Parade at the Middle School on Oak St.

Sunday Events, May 18

Past Exalted Rulers’ Rhody Breakfast
7 - 11 am at Florence Elks Lodge, 1686 12th St.

Grand Floral Parade
Assembly beginning at 9 am. Parade starts at noon at 27th & Hwy 101; ends in Old Town.