Celebrating Muny’s 100^th Anniversary

  This year marks the 56^th year for Florissant’s “first festival of spring,” better known as the Valley of Flowers. Since 1963, this three-day spring tradition has entertained residents and non-alike with its many activities, sales, and of course-the grand parade on Sunday May 6,. 2018.

This year’s theme is “Valley of Flowers Celebrates the Muny’s 100^th,” and the parade will have ?oats and units decorated to re?ect the themes of the Muny’s many plays which have taken place over the last centennial.

It addition to the parade on Sunday, the weekend will have a ?ower and plant sale, culturally diverse performances, baseball games, a classic car show, vendor/craft fair, ?ea market, a pretty baby photo contest, children’s activities, and food. Carnival games and rides will be at the Duchesne Knights of Columbus Fairgrounds. Rides will cost just one ticket on Friday “Family” night.

The Valley of Flowers Committee has selected. Richard Cox owner and operator of Danmark Tire and Auto Center at 735 N. Highway 67 in Florissant as the 2018 Valley of Flowers Parade Marshall. This year’s parade on Sunday, May 6 will depart from the James J. Eagan Center at 1:45 p.m. and feature more than 100 participants beginning with mobile units.

   Decorated vehicles and ?oats will proceed west on Parker Road to New Florissant Road where youth and walking units, as well as the marching bands will merge. The complete parade will then travel south on New Florissant prior to turning west on rue St. Francois past the official parade reviewing stands, then left on St. Ferdinand, proceeding then to Washington Street and concluding at the Knights of Columbus Fairgrounds.

Many city of?cials and local municipal emergency responder vehicles, the Valley of Flowers reigning queen and court, and all seventeen 2018 candidates as well as car clubs, walking units, horse groups, dog clubs, dance schools and scout groups, that make up the fabric of our community, will participate to help create a colorful and fun parade.

When the parade concludes at the Knights of Columbus Grounds, the candidates will proceed to the pavilion stage and awards will be presented to the various winning parade units and their sponsors, and the Pretty Baby Photo Contest. Mayor Thomas Schneider will crown the 2018 Valley of Flowers Queen and Court at 4 p.m.

 

Additional Festival Activities:

A Celebration of Performing Arts will be held on the J.J. Eagan Center grounds on Friday, May 4 from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entertainment includes the Zoppe Family Circus, Nino the Clown, Babaloo Music, juggling, puppets, the Bubble Bus and more.

   “Kid’s World” will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 and features magic shows, face painters, bounce houses, and for a small fee pony rides or a petting zoo.

Food tents will also be set up on the Eagan Center grounds and include barbecue and snacks. The craft and vendor fair will be held inside the ice rink area and there will be a flea market on the lower level of the center.

First responders will be on-site and hosting various demonstrations, along with “Eddie,” the Florissant K-9 community service dog.

There will be many sponsor and community informational booths set up and the Gardeners of Florissant will hold a plant sale May 4 from noon to 9 p.m. and May 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other events scheduled for the Valley of Flowers Festival include a “People’s Walk” sponsored by the St. Louis Stuttgart Volksmarch Club, a “Pretty Baby” photo contest for children two and younger, a car show courtesy of Florissant Old Town Partners, tours of the St. Ferdinand Shrine, high school baseball games and a “Pitch, Hit and Run.”

Security Precautions For Festival:

Parking Rules; Age Requirements; Dress Code, and Entry After 8 pm Forbidden

The Knights of Columbus grounds are open on Friday from 4 p.m. to close, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to close, and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to close. Do not park on the local shopping center lots, but instead in the field on St. Charles Street or at St. Ferdinand Park and walk the path to the festival.

To maintain a family friendly and neighborhood atmosphere, the festival committee will once again require that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There are other short-term changes to better manage the crowds and traffic flow in and around the festival grounds.

The plan includes temporary traffic regulations to prevent festival traffic from interfering with local businesses including the no parking policy at Florissant Meadows Shopping Center and Dierbergs, a well-enforced dress code and increased overall security. Additionally, no one will be allowed to enter the Knights Grounds after 8 p.m. on any evening.

 

Many Things to See & Do at VOF Festival Fairgrounds

   There will be many activities at the Knights of Columbus Duchesne Council grounds on Washington Street between St. Ferdinand and Lindbergh Blvd. (N. Hwy 67) next to St. Ferdinand Shrine. All weekend enjoy the rides, games, beverages, great food, and famous barbecue.

There are even more rides available for younger children as well as the grand Ferris Wheel for everyone. On Friday night only, all rides will be one ticket. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday treat yourself to an ice-cold beer from a beer trailer or a delicious Margarita from the margarita stand.

Knights will serve barbecue ribs, pork steaks, walking tacos, boneless wings, brats, hot dogs, and hamburgers Friday through Sunday. Other food and game booths, all sponsored by local not-for-profit organizations, will offer a variety of festival foods and games. The beer garden will be open Friday through Sunday.

On Sunday, watch the parade and experience the crowning of the queen and her court at the Knights of Columbus Pavilion. Awards will be presented to the winners of the Valley of Flowers Parade and Pretty Baby Photo contest. Rides and activities continue on the grounds until close.

 

Gardeners of Florissant Plant Sale May 4-5

The Gardeners of Florissant plant sale will be held in the ice rink pavilion at the James J. Eagan Center beginning at 12 noon until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4.   It will then continue Saturday, May 5, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Plan to arrive early for the best plant selections.

The Valley of Flowers plant sale is sponsored by the local Gardeners of Florissant, a not-for-pro?t organization, which is committed to protecting and beautifying the environment and sharing their knowledge with others. The 2018 sale will once again feature another huge selection of ?owering plants, (both garden and indoor), vegetables, and herbs at reasonable prices.

Visitors to the sale will ?nd offerings that bloom from spring through late fall and are suitable for most home environments whether sunny, shady, moist or dry. There will also be various lovely foliage and ?owering hanging baskets and pre-planted decorative containers that make outstanding Mother’s Day gifts. The plant sale will also have several raf?es for valuable garden related prizes.

Anyone interested in growing a vegetable garden this spring will ?nd tables of different types of tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. Club members are happy to help decide on varieties that will grow well in their gardens. Several members are certi?ed as “Master Gardeners” and are always willing to share their expertise with patrons.

2018 Valley of Flowers Festival Sponsors

Event Sponsor

• Raising Cane’s-James J. Eagan Center
• Regions Bank-Pre-Parade Party

Fleur de Lis Level

• City of Florissant
• Citizen’s National Bank
• Commerce Bank
• Don Henefer Jewelers
• Florissant Rotary Club
• Handyman True Value Hardware
• Knights of Columbus – Duchesne Council
• Missouri Arts Council
• Regional Arts Commission

Rose Level

• Florissant Old Town Partners
• Kent Miller Photography
• KwikKopy
• Steve Robbins Certified Financial Planner
• The Muny

Daisy Level

• Christian Hospital
• Councilman Joe Eagan Ward 3
• Delmar Gardens Family North Campus
• Fritz’s Frozen Custard
• Jimmy John’s
• Kay Bee Electric
• Nikodem Dental
• Nimmons Wealth Management
• Pyramid Home Health Services
• Schaefer Auto Body
• Stitches.n.Color
• Universal Windows Direct
• Rent-A-Center :Florissant Meadows
• U-Haul Moving & Storage of Florissant

Richard Cox Selected as 2018 Parade Marshall

The Valley of Flowers Committee has selected Mr. Richard Cox, owner and operator of Danmark Tire and Auto Center at 735 N. Highway 67 in Florissant, as the 2018 Valley of Flowers Parade Marshall.

Cox has operated the business since 1976. In the early 1980’s he submitted a competitive bid for servicing vehicles for the City of Florissant. Through excellent service, he has maintained that contract year after year, keeping police cars and other city vehicles running safely. He was recently awarded a similar contract for the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District.

City employees have also entrusted Cox and his team with their family vehicles for generations. As his business in Florissant continues to grow and thrive, he is pleased to announce the acquisition of the building adjacent to his and therefore will be expanding his operations in Florissant to better serve his customers. Danmark is a family business where Cox’s son Scott is an integral part of the team. They are always quick to do a favor for many of their loyal customers.

Cox is a very active member of the Cornerstone Christian Church and dedicates much of his time and resources to the church.

 

‘People’s Walk’ through Old Town Florissant May 5

The St. Louis Stuttgart Volksmarch Club will sponsor this free “People’s Walk” Saturday, May 5, with registration from 9-11 a.m. in the pavilion on the path behind the Old Town Partners & Valley of Flowers house at 601 rue St. Charles. This is a non-competitive, recreational, family time stroll.

Volksmarchers may (for a small fee) keep track of their event/distance in official record books that are available. The “Peoples Walk” begins on the path adjacent to the pavilion and continues through the friendly streets of Old Town Florissant. Along the way, many of the activities of the festival will be highlighted as well as some of the historic homes located throughout Old Town Florissant.

22^nd Annual Old Town Partners Car Show

Florissant Old Town Partners Car Show will be on Saturday May 5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. along rue St. Francois. The open class show will feature approximately 150 cars. The car show line up will be from St. Pierre Street to Lafayette Street on St. Francois.

Traffic will be closed and only cars in the show will be allowed admittance to the street beginning at 8 a.m. There is plenty of parking available on the side streets with a short walk to the fun.

Registration for cars is $15. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m. Call the Old Town Partners office at 314-837-0033 or 314-537-3425 for pre-registration and information. (If necessary, a rainout date has been planned for May 12.)

 

Calling All Pretty Babies!

The Pretty Baby Photo Contest will be held on the ice rink of the James J. Eagan Center on Friday, May 4, from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The contest is for children two years of age or younger.

View the photos and cast your vote to help decide the winner. Entries are judged in two categories: “Personality” – as depicted in the photo and “Popularity” – demonstrated by donations from the public who vote at the booth.

To enter your favorite baby, send in a 4-inch by 6-inch photo (or smaller) featuring one child per photo along with a $5 registration fee by May 4. Entries after this deadline will be charged a $7 entry fee.

Make checks payable to the “Valley of Flowers Festival.” On the back of the photo include the name of the child, parents’ names, address, phone number and age of the baby. Send the photo with info and the entry fee to:

Valley of Flowers Festival

601 rue St. Charles

Florissant, MO 63031

To have your photo returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your entry. The winners will receive an award and gift basket at the awards ceremony on Sunday May 6. The Valley of Flowers Festival Committee sponsors this contest and the proceeds are used for the Valley of Flowers Children’s area.

Craft,Vendor Fair, Flea Market Back in Ice Rink

The annual Craft and Vendor Fair will be on the ice rink pavilion of the James J. Eagan Center on Friday, May 4, from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At this ever-popular event local crafters and vendors will have a wide variety of products that make for the perfect gift for any occasion. Returning favorites include: jewelry, one-of-a-kind gift baskets, gourmet food mixes, unique accessories, and garden ornaments. To reserve a booth, call the Valley of Flowers office at (314) 837-0033 or apply online at www.florissantvalleyofflowers.com.

Florissant Old Town Partners will host their annual Flea Market on the lower level of the James J. Eagan Center on Friday, May 4, from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event will offer a wide variety of items which include antiques, garden items, Christmas items and more.

Taste Multicultural Food Court at FCC Grounds

The food court tent on the James J. Eagan grounds opens Friday, May 4, from noon to 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy the variety of foods from the many nationalities that includes: old-fashioned, American-style, barbecued meats and side dishes; kettle corn; funnel cakes; chicken strips; nachos; ice cream; foods of various cultures, and much more. Various beverages will also be available.

Family Fun at Kid’s World

Kid’s World will be on the grounds of the James J. Eagan Center on Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature many activities to stimulate young minds and bodies. Children will enjoy the opportunity to participate in the many ongoing activities or just enjoy a day in the park. R. W. Magic among others will perform for free within the area.

“Eddie” the Florissant K-9 Community Service dog will be in attendance. In addition to all the free entertainment and activities there will be a petting zoo, pony rides, and a bounce house for a small fee.

 

First Responders & Canine Demos

The Florissant Police Department and the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District will be onsite and hosting various first responders demonstrations at the James J. Eagan Center along Waterford Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be two canine demonstrations, one at 10:30 a.m. and the second at 2 p.m.

 

Suburban XII North Varsity High School Baseball Games Schedule

Enjoy the competition of high school baseball games during the Valley of Flowers Festival week. All six teams in the conference will play at Koch Park Field #2.

The schedule is as follows: Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m. – Hazelwood West (Home) vs. Riverview Gardens; Friday, May 4 at 4 p.m. – Hazelwood East (Home) vs. Hazelwood Central;

Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m. – McCluer (Home) vs. McCluer North.

 

Fanfare Plays it All

Fanfare plays a variety of styles of music with a great deal of, well … FANFARE! Fanfare features the lead vocalist Kittie Moller whose vocals will capture and enthrall you. The music they play will take you all over the sound spectrum with music that includes Motown, R&B, Classic Rock, Disco, Pop, Country, Standards & Jazz, Big Band and music of today.

 

Babaloo Music & Fun

   “Babalooing” is best described as a stand-up comedy act for kids. A “Babaloo” show is a raucous, fast-paced, high-energy event, involving original songs, slapstick, one-liners, and loads of audience participation with kids (and parents) singing, dancing, throwing bean bags, beating on buckets, and laughing – lots of laughing.

Children are kept happy with funny, irreverent songs; they will also sing uplifting songs dealing with sharing, acceptance, and character issues. Every show is different and tailored to the particular audience.

 

RW Magic

R W Magic is an accomplished practitioner in the art of magic; he will amaze, astonish and entertain audiences of all ages with his magic show.   “Experience the Magic!” with RW Magic, a gregarious entertainer, who has enthralled thousands throughout the country with his close-up magic.

 

Kincaid Karacter Puppets

   The Kincaid Karacter Puppets tour live nationally and present fast-paced family oriented puppet shows featuring slapstick comedy, classic one liners, audience participation, and plenty of thrills and surprises, all presented and performed in a style and manner reminiscent of the classic festival performances of the 1800’s.