OAKLAND — An Oakland floral designer is among the 14 contestants participating in the U.S. floral industry’s longest running annual national floral design competition on Sept. 24.

Valerie Lee Ow of J. Miller Flowers and Gifts at 4416 Piedmont Ave. in Oakland will compete in the 49th Annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition during the Society of American Florists’ 132nd Annual Convention in Maui, Hawaii.

The grand prize winner receives $3,000; first runner-up wins $500; and second runner-up will be awarded $250.

“It is an honor and a thrill to compete in this prestigious national contest along side so many talented floral designers,” Ow said.

Among the contestants are winners of state and regional floral industry design contests, designers of the year and members of the American Institute of Floral Designers.

The Sylvia Cup Design Competition is similar to Food Network’s “Iron Chef.” Contestants are given two hours, the same amount of flowers and supplies, and a surprise design challenge. A panel of three design experts will evaluate the contestants’ work on several factors, including originality, color and mechanics.

The competition takes place at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Maui, Hawaii.

For more information about the Sylvia Cup, visit www.aboutflowers.com/competitions.

— Society of American Florists