Guide to the 2012 Florissant Valley of Flowers

Updated as of Thursday 10 a.m.

With the 50th celebration of Valley of Flowers next weekend, residents and officials are anxious to enjoy the festivities.

slated for the weekend as well as a number of activities for both young and old to enjoy.

Use our guide as a way to mark down your favorite activities for the weekend.

Parking: Festival organizers ask attendees to not park on shopping center lots. There will be parking on St. Charles Street and St. Ferdinand Park.

“Family Knight”
grounds, 50 St. Francois
Open 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Families are able to enjoy rides, games and great food on the opening night of the festival. All rides cost one ticket.

Pitch, Hit and Run
, Field 2
6 p.m.
Children are able to participate in the annual Pitch, Hit and Run competition at Koch Park. Children, ages 7-14 are able to participate, but registration is required. Call the John F. Kennedy Center at 314-921-4250.

Pretty Baby Photo Contest

Open noon-8 p.m.
Festival attendees can vote on the prettiest baby photo through popularity and personality.

Food Court
James J. Eagan grounds
Open noon-10 p.m.
Featuring a number of American delicacies and favorites, including barbecue, kettle corn, funnel cakes, chicken strips and nachos. There will also be a number of international food offerings from Hispanic and Asian cultures.

Greek Ladies Pastries
Lower Level of James J. Eagan Center
Open noon to 8 p.m.
The Greek Ladies return with their assortment of Greek pastries.

Home Grown by the Gardeners of Florissant
Ice Rink Pavilion of the James J. Eagan Center
Open noon until 9 p.m.
The Gardeners of Florissant offer a wide array of plants, ranging from herbs and vegetables to garden and houseplants, for residents. Gardeners will be able to assist those who are interested in buying but not sure of what they want. Plants will be arranged in blooming order and have been locally grown. 

Craft Fair
Ice Rink of James J. Eagan Center
Open noon to 9 p.m.
Local crafters and vendors bring their goods, including jewelry, one-of-a-kind baskets, gourmet food, accessories and more. Shoppers can get their Mother’s Day shopping out of the way at this fair.

Flea Market
Lower level of James J. Eagan Center
Open noon to 9 p.m.
A variety of vendors and items will be available to residents at this year’s flea market.

St. Ferdinand Shrine Grounds
Open 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friends of Old St. Ferdinand host a number of fundraising activities at the Shrine. 

Knights of Columbus Grounds grounds, 50 St. Francois
Open 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
Families are able to enjoy rides, games and great food each day of the festival.

Family Festival of Fun
James J. Eagan Center
Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A number of performances will be happening throughout the evening for children and families. Festival features on-going performances in large tents and on the grounds.  These free performances include storytellers, puppeteers, music, comedy and much more.

vs. Baseball
Koch Park, Field 1
Starts at 7 p.m.

Valley of Flowers Car Show
Along rue St. Francois
Open 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
More than 200 cars of 50 different classes will be showcased in Old Town Florissant. The car show will be along St. Francois, St. Pierre Street to Lafayette Street. Registration for the show is $10 in advance or $12 for the day of the event. For more information call 314-837-0033. 

Volksmarch
Behind the Girardier House, 601 St. Charles St.
Registration happens between 8 a.m. and noon
This people’s walk sponsored by the St. Louis Stuttgart Volksmarch Club features a 6-7 mile walk through Old Town Florissant and pass highlights of the festival.

Tot Wheels Parade Celebrates 50 Years of Valley of Flower Festivals
Front Entrance of Eagan Center
Registration begins at 9 a.m. and parade starts at 9:30 a.m.
This event includes clowns, a gift bag and refreshments for the tots and parents, and prizes will be awarded to the best theme decorated unit.

Craft Fair
Ice Rink of James J. Eagan Center
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Local crafters and vendors bring their goods, including jewelry, one-of-a-kind baskets, gourmet food, accessories and more. Shoppers can get their Mother’s Day shopping out of the way at this fair.

Flea Market
Lower level of James J. Eagan Center
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A variety of vendors and items will be available to residents at this year’s flea market. 

Home Grown by the Gardeners of Florissant
Ice Rink Pavilion of the James J. Eagan Center
Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Gardeners of Florissant offer a wide array of plants, ranging from herbs and vegetables to garden and house plants, for residents. Gardeners will be able to assist those who are interested in buying but not sure of what they want. Plants will be arranged in blooming order and have been locally grown.

Sponsors’ Informational Tent
James J. Eagan Center
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Check out those who’ve financially help support the festival at their tent.

Pretty Baby Photo Contest
James J. Eagan Center
Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Festival attendees can vote on the prettiest baby photo through popularity and personality.

Food Court
James J. Eagan grounds
Open 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Featuring a number of American delicacies and favorites, including barbecue, kettle corn, funnel cakes, chicken strips and nachos. There will also be a number of international food offerings from Hispanic and Asian cultures.

Greek Ladies Pastries
Lower Level of James J. Eagan Center
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Greek Ladies return with their assortment of Greek pastries.

St. Ferdinand Shrine Grounds
St. Ferdinand Shrine
Open 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friends of Old St. Ferdinand hosts a number of fundraising activities at the Shrine.

Knights of Columbus Grounds grounds, 50 St. Francois
Open 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
Families are able to enjoy rides, games and great food each day of the festival.

Family Festival of Fun
James J. Eagan Center
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A number of performances will be happening throughout the evening for children and families. Festival features on-going performances in large tents and on the grounds.  These free performances include storytellers, puppeteers, music, comedy and much more.

Dubourg vs. Trinity High School Baseball
Koch Park, Field 1
Starts at 2 p.m. 

Saturday only Performances

Pony rides – Great fun for only $2 per ride – Noon – 4 p.m.

Inflatable rides and train – $1 per child – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Children’s hands-on arts & crafts – Free – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Kincaid Puppets – Free performances at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Luna Breeze – Hula Hoop Artist – Free performances on the grounds 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

R. W. Magic – Free walk-about magic shows on the grounds 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Richard Renner and His Recycle Cycle – Free shows on the grounds 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sponsor and informational booths

Florissant Police Canine Demonstration – Free at 2:30 p.m. 

Dog Show
Competition starts at 3 p.m.
Bring your best pal out and participate in the annual dog show. The contests for this year’s show include, best costume, best kisser, best tail wager and crowd favorite. Pre-register by calling 314-837-0033 or on the Valley of Flowers website.

St. Ferdinand Shrine Grounds
St. Ferdinand Shrine
Open noon to 8 p.m.
Friends of Old St. Ferdinand hosts a number of fundraising activities at the Shrine.

Knights of Columbus Grounds grounds, 50 St. Francois
Open noon to 8 p.m.
Families are able to enjoy rides, games and great food each day of the festival.

50th Valley of Flowers Parade
Starts west on Parker Road and concludes at Knights of Columbus grounds
Starts at 1:45 p.m.
Featuring more than 120 units this 50th Valley of flowers Parade will be very special.  All parade units will depart from their designated line up positions at the same time.  Since 1963, the Valley of Flowers parade has taken place traditionally on Sunday.

Valley of Flowers Queen and Court Crowning
Knights of Columbus Pavillion
Following the parade at 4 p.m.
Find out which lady of 13 candidates will be selected to e the 50th anniversary Valley of Flowers queens as well as the first runner-up and special maids.