The REBS 2026 Bonsai Show
Authored by George Haas
On August 22 and 23, 2026, REBS conducted their annual bonsai show at the Rohnert Park Community Center, Rohnert Park, California.
The planning for the show started by Show Chair Bob Shimon one year ago. The RPCC venue had to be reserved and arrangements made for the headliner Sam Tan.
The annual show takes place regularly on the fourth weekend of August. The set-up was on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 12:00 to 6:00 PM, with REBS member volunteers. A total of 73 bonsai were displayed.
On Saturday, the show was open to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sunday, the hours were from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The number of guests for the two-day event was over 1,000 bonsai enthusiasts and general public.
A Bring-Your-Own-Bonsai workshop was held Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with Sam Tan.
On Saturday, Sam Tan conducted a demonstration on a field grown juniper from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Addison Galambos of the East Bay Bonsai Society assisted in the bonsai styling demonstration.
Silent auctions were conducted both days featuring donated articles, bonsai, pots, art objects, and miscellaneous items.
Member sales took place on both days where members consigned or donated bonsai, pots, books, display stands, and related goods.
For a second year, Trees in Training were displayed for education and opportunity for members to exhibit their bonsai in development stages.
Bonsai vendors, totaling 13, were on hand to sell quality bonsai, pots, wooden hand-crafted display stands, accent plants, bonsai tools, and much more.
On Sunday, Sam Tan conducted a second demonstration on a yamadori Mendocino pygmy cypress.
The show closed promptly at 4:00 PM on Sunday. REBS volunteers dismantled the displays and tables and stored everything for next year’s show.
Within days after the show, plans for 2027 were started by Show Chair Bob Shimon. Sam Tan was confirmed as the headliner for 2027.
The annual REBS bonsai show is the primary fundraiser with proceeds going for yearly operational costs and opportunities for the club to have professional bonsai artists conduct demonstrations throughout the year.
The photos depict show activities and displays in random order:
