Rows upon rows of sunflowers, large and some small varieties, stand at the entrance and at the sides, and at the back of a sunflower farm that is one of the most popular flower festival locations in Richmond, BC. Yes, sunshiny yellow is the predominant color, but their sunflowers also come in oranges, reds, and more colors than the rainbow shows.
A large track of the farm, about 20 acres, is also planted in dahlias, gladiolas, and wildflowers. These are planted according to types and varieties, most with labels to remove the guesswork on the names and varieties.
The farm has held this flower festival since 2019. It is not as old or as expansive as the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival (now called Harrison Sunflower Festival) in Agassiz. But because the Richmond Sunflower Festival is much closer to Vancouver and other big cities in the Lower Mainland, this Richmond location has attracted more visitors.
Throughout August till mid-September, the tall and giant heads of the sunflowers wave merrily in the sun, or at least nod towards the direction of the blazing sun. (The farm becomes a very popular pumpkin patch in October.)
The wildflowers present a contrast to the bold flowers of sunflowers.
The dahlias, too, with the most varieties I have seen, create colorful statements as they bloom by colors and varieties and shapes.
The Richmond Sunflower Festival has planned well the viewing experience of visitors. Patrons ride in tractor-driven wagons, with a singer serenading the customers as they ride through the various sections of the farm with pond and a fountain, grazing cows, goats, chickens, and a few other farm animals. The wagon singers also double as the entertainers at the farm's covered stage. After a tiring walk, you can ride back in the wagons.
Food trucks provide customers with food and drinks. The hamburger was good, but their mini doughnuts tasted like baked grainy bread sprinkled with sugar (nothing special). The drinks might be from canned juices and loaded with too much sugar but great in quenching anyone's thirst; walking on the flower farm during the day could lead to a hydration problem, so having the drinks stand is a saving grace.
Like most other garden and flower places, the Richmond Sunflower Festival has installed rustic photobooths and viewing decks, favorite among visitors to take selfies
and group photos.
The farm is pet-friendly.
At the end of your visit, check out the Richmond Country Farms produce store. It’s a great place to buy their farm-grown corn, fresh fruits, and vegetables. It has an estate wine store with wine-tasting, by the exit of the farm.
Admission is $12 on weekdays and $15 during the weekend. Ample free parking is available. Located in 12900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, it is open from noon to 7 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 7 pm on weekends.
Comentarios