June 14, 2022 at 2:08 p.m.
5th Annual Lavender Daze Festival Returns Saturday
Regularly attracting quite the crowd, the farm is set to host upwards of nearly 1,500 visitors over the course of the six-hour long event, says Melinda Webb, co-owner of White Diamond Lavender Farms.
Entry into the event is $5 per person and there is no charge for children 12 years old and under.
Since its inception a few years ago, the event has certainly grown in every way, including in its popularity among visitors and vendors alike, Webb says.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, festival attendees can shop more than two dozen local vendors, Webb says. From food and flowers to clothing, jewelry and self-care items, this year’s vendor list includes The Soapy Ewe, Sassy Ginger Boutique, Dial 4 Fashion, Kira Manson Art, 3 Dogs and a Mom, Hoeltke’s Custom Carpentry, and Liv Well.
Not only has the festival’s vendor list grown over the years, but so has the farm's retail inventory, Webb says. In addition to lavender self-care products, such as scented eye pillows and neck wraps, scented candles, lotions, essential oil and teas, the farm’s retail store is now featuring lavender olive oil and balsamics.
TaColumbus, Pig N Tasty and Party Chef food trucks will be on-hand Saturday to feed hungry visitors and all festivities will be set against a musical backdrop offered by the Brad Kleinschmidt Duo with Casey Harshberger and American Idol hopeful Jackson Snelling.
Webb says visitors always have many great questions about lavender and its potential uses. Among the most common questions she’s asked is, “What lavender is the best type?”
“They’re all great, it just depends on what you want to use it for,” she says. “If you want it for culinary purposes or multiple blooms in a season, go with an English lavender. If you want to use it more for florals and crafting, I would say French lavender.”
Those who are unable to attend Saturday’s festivities are encouraged to reach out to the farm to schedule a private tour, which is offered for groups of eight or more, Webb says.
Looking ahead, Webb says the farm will be hosting some pop-up U-pick events and lavender workshops in the near future. All opportunities can be found on the farm’s social media sites via Facebook, Instagram and at whitediamondlavenderfarms.com.
