The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival returns to the Fraser Valley this August offering hundreds of acres of soaring, golden sunflowers. However, organizers have re-imagined this year's event due to COVID-19 protocol under a new name.
And so, while there may not be a formal festival in 2020, festival presenters Tulips of the Valley will move forward with the Chilliwack Sunflower Experience. They promise plenty of safe, family-friendly ways to see the sunflowers — and take some cherished memories (as well as your own sunflowers) home with you.
The fields will be alive with 25 different varieties of sunflowers, and more than 50 varieties of dahlias. Plus, this year the team has planted an array of colourful gladiolas.
From mid-August to Labour Day, guests may roam more than three kilometres of pathways throughout the fields. Strict social-distancing guidelines will be in place for you and your loved ones’ peace of mind, including:
• the fields’ capacity will be limited to 25%
• directional pathways that are 3 to 5 metres wide
• hand-sanitizing stations and safety notices placed where needed
• staff will be sanitizing high-touch areas throughout the day
• tickets will be sold online only, per one-hour block
• limited hands-on photo-op props
• no playground, picnic tables or lawn games this year.
In addition to the breathtaking flower fields, guests can expect freshly cut flowers and local Chilliwack corn for sale. Cool off with an individually wrapped frozen treat or enjoy a delicious meal to-go from a food truck (located in the parking lot, off the fields). (And don’t forget — dozens of great local restaurants are just a few minutes’ drive away in Chilliwack.)
“This summer, everyone is looking for ways to have fun while staying local and staying safe,” says Tulips of the Valley co-founder Kate Onos-Gilbert. “I hope everyone in the region who enjoyed the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival in years past — and those who haven’t had the opportunity before — will come and spend some time among the flowers. It’s the perfect way to relax in nature.”
Due to this summer’s unusually chilly weather, organizers say they can’t yet provide an official opening date, but mid-August is the aim.
