An annual tulip festival, which will feature approximately a million tulips, opened for the season Saturday morning at Richardson Farm in Spring Grove.
Warmer weather has propelled tulip growth at Richardson Farm, located at 909 English Prairie Road in Spring Grove, leading the owners to decide it is time to open their 2024 Tulip Festival.
“Spring has sprung!” said George Richardson, who operates the farm along with his wife Wendy and other family members.
“Although the weather has been… interesting… strange… challenging… this week’s warmer weather has really propelled the tulips along on their life cycle,” Richardson said.
As of mid-week, more than 150,000 tulips emerged of the estimated one million blooms to come, along with 50,000 daffodils.
“Many more will bloom in the next few days because they are almost bursting at the buds,” Richardson said. “Some areas are still green where the mid- and late-blooming tulips are planted. But the ones in bloom are gorgeous!”
Wendy Richardson said that wearing boots to explore the fields may be wise following the recent rain.
Food trucks will be at the lakeside festival area, along with beer and wine concessions, she said.
Robert and Carol Richardson said the gift shop will be open. “That’s the huge red barn straight ahead as you enter the farm,” Carol Richardson said.
The gift shop has heated restrooms as well as a wine-tasting bar, plus coffee, hot chocolate and gift items featuring spring decor and tulip themes.
Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. The festival is closed on Mondays.
The cost is $16 per person for all ages Tuesdays through Fridays and $19 on Saturdays and Sundays for those 13 and older. The cost for those ages four through 12 on Saturdays and Sundays is $16.
Ages three and younger are admitted free.
All visitors receive a free tulip with admission, which also includes entry to the flower fields, access to the picnic area around Richardson Lake, an activity area with Giant Jenga and other outdoor games, and more.