Rhododendron blooms are bursting forth at Deer Lake Park, which is always cause to celebrate. This Sunday, Burnaby’s official flower will be centre stage at the city’s annual Rhodofest.
“This is the 27th year of Rhodofest,” Jared Bowles, marketing coordinator for the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, told the NOW, adding the rhododendron was named Burnaby’s civic flower in 1966. “The festival was created in 1980 to celebrate that.”
But the festival, which is a partnership between the city and the Burnaby Rhododendron and Gardens Society, has grown since then, Bowles said.
“Over the years it has become a spring family festival,” he said.
Things kick off with an early bird tour of Bird Life at Deer Lake at 8 a.m. (pre-register by calling 604-205-3003), but the festival officially gets started at 10 a.m. and finishes at 3 p.m.
Other tours include the Ladies of the Lake and a garden tour with City of Burnaby gardener Marcus Gaughan.
Ruffle Red Bird will travel the festival, making up songs by request.
There will be music on stage, and a morning Tai Chi demonstration, as well.
Festival attendees can try their hand at building Burnaby’s newest eco-sculpture.
The society will have its annual plant sale on site, and there is also a spring bouquet competition.
There is a live auction and a silent bid auction at the festival, as well.
For the kids, there is kite-making, face painting, biodegradable pot painting, and the opportunity to plant some marigolds of their own.
Other activities include a floral arrangement workshop, the art of Gyotaku and drawing in the park.
There will be a strawberry tea in the Burnaby Art Gallery from noon until 3 p.m. Entry tickets are required and can be picked up at the gallery starting at 10 a.m.
Welcome remarks will be made from 1 to 1:15 p.m. by the city’s arts services manager Geraldine Parent, Mayor Derek Corrigan, Coun. Nick Volkow and society president Wendy Thompson.
Click here for the full schedule.
