COSHOCTON — The Coshocton KOA campground will be hosting the fourth annual Coshocton Sunflower Festival this year. The fest will include expanded dates and more activities while maintaining COVID-19 protocols.
The campground on County Road 10 witnessed one of few events that took place in 2020 despite the pandemic. Ryan McPeek, co-owner of the campground, said that this was due to patrons being outside and could observe social distancing. He stated that they often draw thousands of people from all parts of the state.
Last year, the limit was set on how many people could be present at once. People had to book in advance online. McPeek stated that this will be continued as it will allow people to have a better experience in a more peaceful environment.
“We tried to ensure that it was not crowded and that people could spread out. We’re still doing some of these things, and they worked. McPeek stated that everyone will have a great time if they are all there at the same time. McPeek stated that the main goal is to make things more efficient and enjoyable for everyone, so they don’t have to wait or have too much time to relax.
On the second weekend of August, the main festival will include wagon rides, live music, and food trucks. There will also be a beer garden, photo opportunities, and the chance to take a sunflower home. There are 50 varieties to choose from, with the possibility of up to 80,000.
Because flowers bloom at different times, and each plant can have multiple heads of flowers, the festival will offer early and late bloomer days on the weekends before and after the main festival weekend. The festival will include an opening wine- and beer tasting event, and allow attendees to bring their dogs.
“The low-key weekends allow people to have a quieter experience but it’s still amazing. McPeek stated that all the props for photos are available and that there are still beautiful flowers.”
The Coshocton Rotarian Club will pick any flowers left after August 22nd and give them to the shut-ins. McPeek stated that they also collaborate with other organizations such as sports boosters or the United Way of Coshocton County to provide festival volunteers donations. Volunteers get another day of free admission. Volunteers are needed to run the Johnson-Humrickhouse museum’s beer garden.
“The festival attracts people from all around the world and we are a small staff. McPeek stated that while we do hire extra staff for the sunflower season it takes much more to make any festival or festival possible. McPeek explained that for each shift someone works, we donate to their chosen organization to make it attractive and a partnership with the community. It helps us get people involved in the festival, and it makes it more attractive to people because it gives back to the community.
KOA Campground is well-known for its fall corn maze. McPeek stated that the maze would only be open on two weekends this year. However, they plan to add a wide range of attractions and activities to make it feel more like a sunflower festival.
Immerse in the vibrant Sunflower Festival at the Ohio campground. Enjoy yoga, birdwatching, and farm-to-table delights for a unique experience.
Aside from the Sunflower Festival fun, you can also join sunflower picking and gardening workshops. Plus, make sure to explore the scenic trails and enjoy birdwatching and hiking at the campground. It’s a great way to soak in nature’s beauty!