Coshocton Sunflower Festival

Coshocton Sunflower Festival
                        

Majestically perched six to 10 feet above the fields, the blooming of vibrant yellow sunflowers celebrates the midpoint of Ohio’s summer.

For the fourth year, the Coshocton KOA will invite guests to experience its vast four acre field of sunflowers, representing about 50 different varieties, during the Coshocton Sunflower Festival.

The entire festival season will take place August 7-22 with the main events and sunflowers in full bloom Friday through Sunday, August 13-15. That weekend will feature live music, food trucks, craft vendors and a beer and wine garden, said Ryan McPeek, co-owner of Coshocton KOA.

Sippin’ on Sunshine

The season will kick off on August 7 with a new special event, Sippin’ on Sunshine, during which guests can sample wine from Sunny Slope Winery (Big Prairie) and Stone Crest Vineyard (Frazeysburg) or beer from the Wooly Pig Farm Brewery (Fresno) or Hoodletown Brewing Co. (Dover).

Low-Key Days

Sandwiching the main festival are Early Bloomers Day, quiet weekdays and Final Flowers Weekend, where guests of all ages can experience the field as it begins and ends the transformation from leafy green to flowery yellows and reds. These days are quieter and more relaxed experience, McPeek said.

“We always have early blooming sunflowers before the main festival, and when we walked the field after the festival two years ago, we noticed how gorgeous the flowers were and decided that people should be able to enjoy the whole process,” he said. “That’s why we decided to add some low-key events around the early and late blossoming flowers.”

Season Passes

A season pass allows guests to see the field any day it is open, providing the full experience of seeing the new blooms and seeing mature flowers attracting beautiful birds to enjoy delicious sunflower seeds.

“Observing the fields over the two weeks of the festival, is a magical experience.” said Camille McPeek, Coshocton KOA co-owner. “As some flowers mature, others are just in their infancy, changing the color palette of the field each day.”

Ohio’s Most Unique Sunflower Field

Ryan McPeek said the fields have many unique photo props, with antique items, an old tractor, an old truck, bicycles, French doors and other interesting items that have been collected.

“Many people hire professional photographers to take senior pictures and family photos,” he said. “In fact, we did our own family pictures in the field last year.”

The setting of the festival offers a relaxing experience with a naturally shaded woodland area next to the sunflower field. While sunflowers need direct sunlight to grow, the shade of the woodland gives guests a place to enjoy delicious food and drink offerings. The cool shade and leafy trees offer the option to spend the whole day.

Choosing a weekday to visit the field gives guests the best opportunity for photos and for taking a leisurely stroll through the field. The fields open early on weekdays for those looking to beat the heat of the day and are open late for those photographers looking to capture the fleeting golden hour.

Dog Day

If your family has a dog who just can’t be left out of the family picture, the last day of the festival is Dog Day, where well socialized pooches are invited to experience the field. This special day will feature the Good Boy Bakery, offering its Coshocton made, healthy dog treats.

Coshocton Proud

Ryan McPeek said the Coshocton KOA is proud to be a member of the local community and is excited to showcase local craft vendors at the full festival.

“Our community has so many great artists with an entrepreneurial spirit” said Camille McPeek, who also operates a boutique retail store at the festival and campground. “Working together with other local businesses adds a special touch to the festival,” she said.”

Local vendors include Hillbippie Clay Co, Casey Arts, Golden Sky Farms, Cow Corners Creations and Bexley Ann’s Boutique.

The Coshocton Sunflower Festival is operated largely by volunteers. For each shift a volunteer works, the Sunflower Festival makes a donation to a local non-profit of the volunteer’s choice.

Tickets & Season Passes

Event tickets are sold separately for each day’s events – or season passes are available to provide unlimited admission. Advance purchase is strongly suggested as discounts are available and tickets usually sell out. Tickets, prices and full festival details are available online at CoshoctonSunflowerFestival.com. The Coshocton Sunflower Festival will take place at the Coshocton KOA, 24688 County Road 10 in Coshocton.


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