Fourth annual Tulip Festival to launch soon at Richardson Farm
The riot of reds, yellows, purples, whites, apricots and more that is such a welcome harbinger of spring soon will swell across the tulip fields at Richardson Farm.
Planted in the fall across roughly 12 acres of the farm’s westerly fields were 350,000 tulip bulbs in more than two dozen varieties, plus 50,000 daffodil bulbs. Yellow; peach; white; and early-, mid- and late-blooming daffodils are new entrants in this, the fourth year of the Tulip Festival at the Spring Grove farm located at 909 English Prairie Road.
Added to previous years’ plantings, minus the 300,000 bulbs that were tilled up this year from the initial 2020 tulip bulb plantings, the Richardsons once again expect about a million beautiful blooms. While the best guess right now is the fourth week of April, exactly when the fest will open is always weather-dependent.
A certain number of above-40-degree days are needed to bring the flowers into bloom. But when they do ...
“It’s spectacular,” said George Richardson, who operates the farm along with his wife, Wendy; brother, Robert; Robert’s wife, Carol; George’s son, Ryan; and Ryan’s wife, Kristen. “It’s that first “wow’ pop of colors of springtime. It just feels good.”
Carol Richardson agreed. “The tulips’ arrival is the hallmark of the glory of spring,” she said. “Seeing all of that new color out in the fields makes you feel energized and joyful.”
The Richardsons have welcomed thousands of visitors eager to shed winter drab and take in the color-drenched views during the last three spring events. Once again, the fest will feature live music and food trucks on weekends, plus the well-stocked gift shop, modern indoor restrooms and wine tasting bar will beckon during all open hours of the fest. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays. The gift shop will remain open until 7 p.m.
Cost is $16 per person, all ages, Tuesdays through Fridays; and $19 on Saturdays and Sundays for those 13 and older. The cost for those ages 4-12 on Saturdays and Sundays is $16. Ages 3 and younger are admitted free. All paying visitors receive one 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.
Professional, compensated photographers should view the “Photography & Filming” page at richardsonfarm.com before visiting.
All who are interested in visiting the 2024 Tulip Festival at Richardson Farm are encouraged to sign up for the Richardson Farm newsletter. Just go to richardsonfarm.com, click on the “Tulip Festival” photo, then click “Join our Newsletter” under the “Contact” drop-down menu. Newsletter recipients are among the first to learn when the fest’s opening date has been determined. Also in the know are those who follow the Richardson “World’s Largest” Corn Maze Facebook page.