Plan Your Weekend: Valley of Flowers Schedule Looks Robust

The annual Valley of Flowers Festival makes its mark on Florissant this weekend and there looks to be a great lineup of events and entertainment ahead.

We’re guiding your way through the festival as well as keeping you up to date on the daily happenings.

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

Changes to the Festival: There will not be a Family Knight held this year on Thursday, so the festival officially opens Friday. Also, those under the age of 18 must have an adult accompany them on the Knights of Columbus grounds at all times.

Thursday, May 2

Pitch, Hit and Run
Koch Park, Field No. 2
6 p.m.
Children are able to participate in the annual Pitch, Hit and Run competition at Koch Park. The event is an official skills competition for Major League Baseball, according to a city press release. Children, ages 7-14 are able to participate, but registration is required. Call 314-839-7669 ext.7258.

Friday, May 3

Pretty Baby Photo Contest
James J. Eagan Center
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-9 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.

Flower and Plant Sale
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.

Craft Fair & Flea Market
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 or find an antique or house ware item at the flea market.

St. Ferdinand Shrine Grounds
St. Ferdinand Shrine
Open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friends of Old St. Ferdinand host a number of activities and tours at the Shrine. 

Knights of Columbus Grounds
Knights of Columbus grounds, 50 St. Francois
Open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
Families are able to enjoy rides, games and great food each day of the festival.

Celebration of Performing Arts
James J. Eagan Center
Open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A number of performances will be happening throughout the evening for families and festival attendees. Festival features on-going performances in large tents and on the grounds.  These free performances include, music, comedy and much more. (Check out our performers guide for all of the performances.)

McCluer North vs. McCluer High School Baseball
Koch Park, Field 1
Starts at 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 4

Valley of Flowers Car Show
Along rue St. Francois
Open 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
More than 150 cars of different classes will be showcased in Old Town Florissant. 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 Old Town Partners 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 walk through Old Town Florissant and pass highlights of the festival.

Tot Wheels Parade
James J. Eagan Center Grounds
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. Registration is available on the Valley of Flowers website.

Craft Fair & Flea Market
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.

Flower and Plant Sale
Ice Rink Pavilion of the James J. Eagan Center
Open 9 a.m.-6 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.

Sponsors’ Informational Tent & Community Booths
James J. Eagan Center
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Check out those who’ve financially help support the festival at their tent.

Kid’s World
James J. Eagan Center Grounds
Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kids have a world of their own here with activities stimulating young minds and bodies. Children can visit the dog show, participate in the activities or simply enjoy the beautiful day in the park. Performers will be available in the park, and there will be inflatable rides for $1 and pony rides for $2.

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.

St. Ferdinand Shrine Grounds
St. Ferdinand Shrine
Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friends of Old St. Ferdinand hosts a number of activities and tours at the Shrine.

Knights of Columbus Grounds
Knights of Columbus grounds, 50 St. Francois
Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
Families are able to enjoy rides, games and great food each day of the festival.

Celebration of Performing Arts
James J. Eagan Center
Open 10 a.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 music, comedy and much more.

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

Saturday-only Performances

The Gypsy Rose III Pirate Ship – Tours for only $1 per child from 10 a. m. to Noon and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Pony rides – Noon – 4 p.m.

Inflatable rides and train - 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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

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

On the grounds from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

The Bubble Bus full of bubble fun

R. W. Magic experience the magic

Professor Farquar and Polecat Annie

Joe the Juggler

Dog Show & Canine Demonstration
James J. Eagan Center
Dog Show starts at 11 a.m.; Police Canine Demonstration starts at 2:30 p.m.
Bring your best pal out and participate in the annual dog show. The contests for this year’s show include, best tail wagger, best trick, best kisser, fastest and best costume. Pre-register by calling 314-837-0033.

Sunday, May 5

St. Ferdinand Shrine Grounds
St. Ferdinand Shrine
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friends of Old St. Ferdinand hosts a number of activities and tours at the Shrine.

Knights of Columbus Grounds
Knights of Columbus grounds, 50 St. Francois
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Families are able to enjoy rides, games and great food each day of the festival.

2013 Valley of Flowers Parade
Starts at the James J. Eagan Center and concludes at Knights of Columbus grounds
Starts at 1:45 p.m.
See a number of floats and decorated cars surrounding this year’s theme of Children’s Literature. Grand marshall of the parade is local author Patricia McKissack.

Valley of Flowers Queen and Court Crowning
Knights of Columbus Pavillion
Following the parade at 4 p.m.
Find out which lady of 15 candidates will be selected to be the Valley of Flowers queens as well as the first runner-up and special maids.

Charity Raffle
Knights of Columbus Grounds
Following the Queen’s crowning
A special raffle benefitting those in need in the Florissant area.