The city of Richmond is home to the Sunflower Festival, located in the agricultural fields that are common in this region of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia.
As I approached, I saw some people coming out of a facility holding sunflowers in their hands and then saw a welcome sign.
I didn't know what to expect from this festival, and I was pleasantly blown away by the flowery extravaganza that unfolded like the petals of a beautiful sunflower.
The entrance was eclectically decorated with sunflower and farm-related themes. There was also a market nearby and a winery. So, I knew right away that this place was highly relevant to my interests.
After purchasing the tickets, one has to ride a tractor-drawn wagon (as seen in the photograph) that takes visitors to the fields. A cheerful lady with a guitar sang folk songs as the wagon passed through different areas of the farm, where they had animals like cows, horses, goats, alpacas/llamas and chickens.
We were told that there were three fields, including a maze that we could explore at leisure. In this post, I focus on the sunflower fields, which were extensive and seemingly endless.
Entering this tunnel was like stepping into an alternate realm.
Check out one of the local farm animals in the background behind the wheel
There were platforms along the way, where you could see the fields from a raised position.
I wasn't expecting to be engulfed in such bright and brilliant colours. My pupils were likely dilated to the max.
An easter egg
There was a tongue-in-cheek warning sign at the entrance to the maze about rescue teams in case visitors got lost and needed to be extricated.
While it was not a particularly difficult maze, it was already getting late with the sun low on the horizon and the shadows growing longer. There were dead ends and meandering loops. Where the heck was the exit to this maze? My heart was beginning to quicken its pace. Sunflowers everywhere! 馃槸
A unique red sunflower
I had deliberately timed the visit to coincide with the sunset. The light had a reddish colour to it because the skies had been covered in smoke from the forest fires. The smoke filtered the light in such a way that the sun's rays leaned towards the warmer hues.
I kept seeing the dinosaur from a distance, and I was eager to see it up front. With darkness growing in the fields, however, I have to admit that it was a bit unsettling. The creatures were moving and roaring.
What a brilliant idea. As I walked among the flowers, I felt as if I was traversing a prehistoric environment. The plants grew tall with broad leaves that had a primeval feel to them. So placing dinosaurs in there was the perfect move, and I'm glad I got to experience it in all its dino glory.
There was much more to explore. It truly felt endless. Visitors also receive a sunflower and an ear corn, plus discount on locally made wine. In the wine store, one can buy a bottle and drink it outside on the quaint and quirky premises. Alas, I didn't get to do it because I'm still searching for the exit.
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