Last Updated on June 23, 2022
Chilliwack Sunflower Festival
When the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival started three years ago, we immediately fell in love. Sunflowers are my absolute favorite flower. So bright and cheery, sunflowers always bring a huge smile to my face. The inaugural Chilliwack Sunflower Festival was fantastic and we could not wait for the following year. Last year, they really upped their game and the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival was pure magic. We could hardly contain our excitement when we heard that despite Covid, the sunflower festival would go on.
Chilliwack Sunflower Experience
The usually massive festival this year is known as the Chilliwack Sunflower Experience, with strict social-distancing guidelines. That means that there is half the amount of sunflowers, more spacing in the walkways between the flowers, and the same admission for half the experience. It was a bit of a shock when we walked through the gates and saw the difference between last year and this year.
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We always go for an early-morning visit regardless to beat the crowds, but one bonus this year is that the fields are limited to 25% capacity, for those who cannot make an early morning visit. There were also hand sanitizing stations around the field at each photo prop. We felt that it was a safe experience during these times when extra precautions are necessary.
Also featured was a field of dahlias and gladiolus. The gladiolus was pretty, but we hope that next year they are able to return the dahlias back to the glory of the field last year.
Here I was, wandering the fields frustrated that the full experience was not possible this year when I asked the kids if they were having fun. My oldest, Madison, remembers last year and told me that even though there were a lot fewer flowers, she still loved wandering the fields. The kids undoubtedly had fun running the paths, with so much laughter.
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I then realized that even though it may not be as grand and magical as we hoped, we were still able to have a good time, and spend some great quality time together, smiling and laughing. After all, isn’t that the purpose of sunflowers? Sunflowers are meant to be happy flowers. So, I took a step back and stopped comparing the Chilliwack Sunflower Experience this year to that of the past Chilliwack Sunflower Festivals. We took the chance to admire the sunflowers from how they look as buds, the different stages of the sunflowers opening, and the full sunflowers in all their beauty (including all the different varieties). It really was interesting to see the different phases.
Sometimes it is nice to be reminded to try looking at the world through the eyes of a child; we should always strive to never lose that childlike wonder.
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While there was the initial disappointment, we still ended up having a great time together. We are hopeful that next year the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival is able to return to its full glory.
The experience runs from August 12 to Labour Day. The gates are open from 7 am to 6 pm from Thursday to Monday, and 9 am to 6 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. Weekday tickets are $15 for general admission and $6 for children (3 and older) when purchased in advance; weekend tickets will cost $20 and $8, respectively.
What is your favorite flower festival?
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