4 • The Beacon July 29 , 2021
COVER STORY
Coshocton
Sunflower
Festival
By Ken McEntee
Ma jestically 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 ).
“ The fields have plenty of unique photo props , with antique items , an old tractor , an old truck , bicycles , French doors and other interesting items that we ’ ve collected .”
— Ryan McPeek
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
For the fourth year , the Coshocton KOA will invite guests to experience its vast 4-acre field of sunflowers , representing about 50 different varieties , during the Coshocton Sunflower Festival .
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 .
The “ prefestival ” will begin at noon on Saturday , Aug . 7 , with a new special event — Sippin ’ on Sunshine — during which guests can sample local beer and wine while strolling the newly blooming field of sunflowers . Live music , food trucks and a cash bar will be available in the festival area .
Submitted
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