I did not go last year,but DID go this year. It was very disappointing when compared to shows of the past. A much diminished show in every respect - including attendees!
You did not miss a thing!

Dear crowspice,

Thank you for responding. I went last year and it was awful and I did not have to drive far - about 12 miles.

The folks I really felt bad for were a couple of ladies from Indiana who had purchased a package which included a bus trip and admission. They were out $65/each.

That's a bit upsetting - they promised everyone last year to be patient and that 2008 would be better since they would have a full 12 months to line up vendors and speakers. I noted on the website this year that less then a 100 vendors were participating. Someone online made mention of a hot tub vendor? and thought it in bad taste.

Yesterday, I was browsing through an old Chicagoland Gardening from 2006 and looking at the beautiful pictures from Navy Pier.

This is too bad - maybe one day I'll have to drive to Ohio or Philadelphia to attend a quality flower show. I believe those two shows are supposed to be outstanding.