This year marks the first annual Chilliwack Sunflower Festival in the history of B.C.'s Fraser Valley. The event has sprouted from the massive success of the Tulips of the Valley Festival which happens every Spring at the same location, 1310 Yale Road.

The Sunflower is a symbol of Summer, as well as seen in many cultures as a good luck charm. It's also stunningly beautiful. Therefore it makes complete sense that the organizers of Tulips of the Valley would use it to close off the Summer on Wednesday, August 22. The Sunflower Festival is set to run all the way until the middle of September and is likely to become insanely popular...

At the festival, you'll find a variety of attractions. They include a one-acre show garden, an acre of traditional orange and yellow sunflowers, and three-acres filled with enormous sunflowers all in bloom. There will also be sunflowers for purchase and tulip bulbs that are bound to remind each visitor to come back in the Spring for the festival that started this all.

You'll also be able to binge-eat at a bunch of local food trucks, play lawn games, and even bring your dog; if it's on a leash, that is. The contest organizers even plan to hand out complimentary pick-up bags. It's a not so subtle reminder for everyone to do their duty (no pun intended) as a dog-owner. On top of all of this, if you check out this festival, you're sure to find several hundred photo opportunities.

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Seeking out sunflowers for photo-ops has become a favourite pass time for people of all ages. So much so that The Globe and Mail recently reported that a sunflower farm in Ontario is "closed forever!" due to many sunflower selfie-seekers trampling over the farm and generally disrespecting it. Therefore, when you do check out the massive field of flowers in the Fraser Valley, be sure to be appreciative of the space and those who tend to it.

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The festival is estimated to run from Wednesday, August 22 until Sunday, September 16th, but it really depends on a number of factors, including weather and popularity. You can stop by the festival from Monday to Thursday from 10 AM until 7 PM. As well as Fridays to Sundays, 30 minutes before sunrise until 7 PM.

You can find out more about the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival on their website here.