May 3, 2023
In the Valley of Flowers
Around Town NORTHWEST VIEWS Saint Louis Crisis Nursery works to prevent child abuse across the region. Pg. 2 STARTING MAY 10: Casting call for ‘The WHY of MY City’ for Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective. Pg. 2
Features (FLIP)
Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 Moore On Life, Lifestyle & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4 Photo by Kent Miller Photography Front Row from Left to Right: Lily Scanlon, Margaret Houston, Caylee Moore, Grace Gitau. Back Row from Left to Right: Alyvia Warner, Laura Westberg, Jordyn Askew, Chassity Swanson.
Florissant’s 61st annual Valley of Flowers festival celebrates the Kentucky Derby over three days of springtime festivities
L
ast year, the Valley of Flowers Festival Committee reintroduced a “live” festival for the first time since Covid-19 caused cancellation of the event. It was a huge success. For example, at the petting zoo a child was overheard telling their parents, “That wasn’t so scary; it was so soft to touch.” On the Grand Ferris Wheel, when the gondola car stopped at the top, an excited youngster shouted, “Grandpa, I can reach up and touch the sky!” These are the types of memories that happen at the festival. Florissant, a city hosting festival entertainment for families, marks the arrival of the 61st celebration of the Valley of Flowers
Festival, Florissant’s and the North County’s “first festival of spring.” You can look forward to a variety of new attractions as well as the Grand Parade and the crowning of Florissant’s Queen and her court. Activities during the three-day festivities will appeal to all ages. At the James J. Eagan Center fair-goers will find culturally diverse performances, musical entertainment, a vendor/craft fair, a pretty baby photo contest, and children’s activities. The washer tournament returns with teams competing for cash prizes. Carnival games and rides for families are featured at the Duchesne Home Association Grounds (formerly the Knights of Columbus Grounds). Also, around town visit the
classic car show on Saturday down rue St. Francois, participate in the Volksmarch, take a free tour (donations are welcome to help with the preservation activities) on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. of the Historic Log Cabin at Tower Court Park on Washington St. at South New Florissant Rd., and of course enjoy mouth-watering food everywhere. The Grand Parade on Sunday, May 7, the highpoint of the weekend, leads to the crowning of the Valley of Flowers Queen and Court at the Duchesne Grounds Pavilion. Decorated vehicles and floats proceed west on Parker Road to New Florissant Road See ‘VALLEY’ page 5
Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 102 No. 18 | 636-379-1775
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