NISLAND—Rows and rows of bright yellow sunflowers greeted all of the visitors to the Joyful Blooms Flower Farm for their first ever Sunflower Festival on Saturday, September 6.
Walking into the back yard area, the flower farm had lush green tree covered pathway that was lined with vendors on each side for adults to meander through and shop, eat and visit with friends and family after they were finished creating their sunflower bouquets.
The size of the bouquet the flower pickers were able to take home was determined by the vessel purchased to hold the fresh cuttings. For $20.00 one could purchase and fill a pint jar, for $30.00 one could purchase and fill a quart jar and for $50.00 one could purchase and fill a bucket full of flowers to take with them.
The farm provided snips to cut the stems and water to keep the flowers fresh. Those who just wanted to enjoy the beautiful space and vendors paid $5.00 for entry with kids getting in for free.
The festival drew a large crowd and by early afternoon, all of the flowers were picked and headed to new homes. “Everything’s been completely picked,” said Sarah Schwede, owner. “But there’s still a ton of awesome vendors and free kid activities and pretty photo spots, so I know it’s still worth it to come out!”
Even without flowers to pick, the festival had so many fun activities that kept everyone entertained. Kids were in for a special day as everywhere you turned, there was something for them to partake in—from tree swings, corn filled play box, giant connect four to buckets of bubbles and so much more!
Schwede was pleased with the turn out and shared that they are definitely planning to have the Sunflower Festival again next summer. “This was the best turnout we’ve ever had! It all came together the way I envisioned it! My heart is so full, so happy—I wish I had flowers, but if I still have flowers, it’d just be the perfect day—it’s been so wonderful,” she said.
One of the popular attractions that drew interest from kids and adults alike was the chance to snuggle with a baby goat provided by Wandering Wolf Ranch.
Other vendors that brought their goods to the Sunflower Festival included Bearable Bear Boutique, Reflections by Sonja Harrington, White Owl Wings by Jodie Shaw, Sunflower Place Co., The Soda Bar, You’Nique Brew, Crumb Here Often, The Nest: A Traveling Bookstore, Happy Camper and Taryn Michelle Photography.
In their second year of business the Schwede family is always thinking of ways to grow the business. They have plans for even more events next year. “We are hoping to get more land and add strawberries—have a Strawberry Festival, Sunflower Festival, a Sunflower Maze and a three acre pumpkin patch,” Schwede shared.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
