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2017 Festival Will Include Many Old Favorites Like Children’s Celebration
‘THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD’
IS THEME OF 55TH FESTIVAL
The Valley of Flowers Festival in Florissant, traditionally the first festival of spring in the metropolitan St. Louis area, will feature a theme of “The Valley of Flowers Celebrates the Wonders of the World” for the 55th annual event. This year’s (2017) festival takes place from Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7, with the Valley of Flowers Parade held on Sunday, May 7. (more information on page 2-11B)
The festival will feature many free, fun-filled activities for families, including the “Children’s Celebration of Performing Arts” at the James J. Eagan Civic Center.
Internationally renowned Nino the Clown and his Old World-style circus will give five free performances on May 5 and May 6 in the traveling troupe’s 500-seat big top.
According to Florissant Mayor Thomas Schneider, “All of these fun activities will culminate with the annual parade and crowning of the Valley of Flowers Queen and her Court on May 7 at the Duchesne Knights of Columbus fairgrounds. We invite all of our residents, neighbors and friends to join us for this annual salute to spring in Florissant.”
Other performers at the Children’s Celebration will include Babaloo Music and Fun, innovative juggler Greg Kennedy, RW Magic’s entertaining magic act, the Kincaid Karacter Puppets, the Bubble Bus, and the “Pirate School.”
Dr. Jones Honored as Grand Marshal
This year’s Grand Marshal is Florissant veterinarian Dr. Jones. A native of Florissant and a graduate of McCluer North High School, Jones graduated from the University of Missouri’s veterinary medicine school and worked in other vet practices before taking took over Cross Keys Animal Clinic from his father. In 1986 Dr. Jones agreed to provide free veterinary services for the K-9 dog of his friend, Florissant police officer Tom Jost.
Today, Dr. Jones continues to provide voluntary veterinary services for the four dogs serving the Florissant Police Department in its K-9 unit. With his commitment and dedication to pet owners throughout Florissant and North County, Dr. Jones is an ideal choice as Grand Marshal for this year’s Valley of Flowers Parade.
Other Activities at the Festival
Other events scheduled for the Valley of Flowers Festival include a “People’s Walk” sponsored by the St. Louis Stuttgart Volksmarch Club; a car show courtesy of Florissant Old Town Partners; a Gardeners of Florissant plant sale, and a craft fair. There will be live music at the Hispanic Festival tent from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 6. A “Pretty Baby” photo contest for children ages 2 and younger; high school baseball games; and a “Pitch, Hit and Run” competition round out the activities. A vendor fair and flea market; sponsors’ informational booths; tours of St. Ferdinand Shrine, and a food court with multi-cultural flavors are also available.
The City of Florissant presents its Festival performing arts events with financial support from the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council. For information on the Valley of Flowers Festival at the James J. Eagan Civic Center, the Duchesne Knights of Columbus Fairgrounds, St. Ferdinand Shrine or in historic Old Town Florissant, visit www.florissantvalleyofflowers.com or call 314-837-0033.
