Image: Supplied / Kate Onos-Gilbert & Daughter Mya prepare to host Harrison Sunflower Festival

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Agritourism

Chilliwack Sunflower Festival transforms into Harrison Sunflower Festival later this month

Aug 9, 2023 | 6:00 AM

AGASSIZ — The picturesque landscapes of British Columbia’s Fraser Valley are about to witness the bloom of a new chapter in agritourism. The pioneering Onos family, renowned for their innovative flower festivals, has transplanted their much-loved Chilliwack Sunflower Festival to a new location in Agassiz, near Harrison Hot Springs. Renamed the Harrison Sunflower Festival, the event is scheduled to open to the public on August 22 this year, although the exact date is contingent on the bloom stage.

The family’s new farm, which is overlooked by the majestic Mount Cheam, is set to embrace flower enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike. Covering acres of sun-soaked land, the Harrison Sunflower Festival will span approximately four weeks. Visitors will be able to navigate three-kilometers of pathways through 20 acres of sunflowers, summer flowers, and a field of barley.

Image: Supplied / Harrison Sunflower Festival

“We can’t wait to welcome flower enthusiasts to this stunning new location,” said festival founder Kate Onos-Gilbert. The Onos family has a rich history of transforming their love for farming and flowers into unforgettable outdoor celebrations. “My family and I are thrilled to have acquired our own piece of land to host the new festivals and explore other agritourism opportunities, all while returning to our roots where the flower magic first bloomed,”

The family’s journey began in 2006 when they introduced the Tulips of the Valley festival in Agassiz, marking the first flower festival of its kind in British Columbia. After a decade of success, they relocated their festivities to Chilliwack, where the Chilliwack Tulip Festival and the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival bloomed to life.

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Visitors to the Harrison Sunflower Festival will be able to take advantage of an array of photo opportunities, including swing sets, antique tractors, vintage bicycles, classic cars, and more. A U-pick field featuring five sunflower varieties will allow guests to curate their own bouquets to take home. The Farm Store will also offer fresh-cut sunflowers, sunflower seeds, bulbs, souvenirs, and local produce.

Image: Supplied / Harrison Sunflower Festival

As summer fades into fall, the Harrison farm promises the Harrison Pumpkin Festival. It’s set to open September 29. Visitors can expect to be welcomed to a slice of farm life, allowing attendees to embrace the spirit of the season amidst vibrant fall colors and crops.