Sunflower festival on now at Davis Family Farm

Special events planned during festival, which runs until August 18

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Beautiful fields of sunflowers are in bloom at a local farm. 

Davis Family Farm, which is located in Caledon East, is hosting its annual sunflower festival now until August 18. The farm has 60 acres of sunflower fields which are perfect for strolling through and taking pictures in. 

Sean Davis said the sunflowers are looking amazing this year. The festival opened on July 27, and large crowds have already been coming to the farm. 

The farm is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day and on Tuesdays, it stays open until 9 p.m. — though professional photographers can book time at the farm between 6 and 9 p.m. on other days of the week. There's numerous props out in the fields for photographers to use such as couches, grand pianos, and old trucks and tractors. 

On August 2, Davis Family Farm will host a “Sunflower Soirée,” bringing live music and a wine wagon to the farm. Davis said it will be a big fun community party out in the sunflower fields. 

On August 7, Davis Family Farm will host the Caledon Music Festival for a beautiful concert among the flowers. 

The annual sunflower festival at Davis Family Farm serves as a fundraiser for Celiac Canada, as one dollar from every ticket to the festival sold goes to the non-profit. 

On August 6, the farm will be taken over by the under-10 Caledon Hawks A hockey team for a fundraising event. 

Davis said his family likes to add new and exciting things to the farm each year, and one of the new offerings in 2024 is a mini golf course. 

One of the great things about the festival is how it brings people from all over Ontario, and even the world, together, said Davis. He said each year the festival brings in many people who are visiting Toronto but want to come out to the country and see the farm.

“It always makes us feel nice to see that Caledon's on the map,” said Davis.

The family has created a big map on the farm, and visitors can place a pin on it to share where they are visiting from. Davis said it's amazing to see the map fill up with pins from all over. 

“We love the people that come to visit and the stories they have,” said Davis. “Some people are visiting a farm for the first time in their life and we explain what we do and all the work we put into it… others are people who have come from a country where they used to farm, and don't anymore, and we share stories. The best part is visiting with people.”

Davis said rain has been a bit of a challenge this year, as sunflowers do indeed enjoy sunnier conditions. Still, it ultimately did not impact the sunflowers that much and the farm was able to successfully grow its fields of flowers as usual. Some flowers are actually even taller than usual because they've had more water. 

Davis said this year, his family staggered growing sunflowers so that there will always be some in their absolute prime throughout the entirety of the festival. 
Those looking to learn more about the festival or purchase tickets for it can visit the following link: davisfamilyfarm.ca.