“Kentucky Derby” Theme for 2023 Valley of

Flowers Festival Event & Parade May 5-7

The Valley of Flowers Festival in Florissant, traditionally the first festival of spring in the metropolitan St. Louis area, will feature the theme of “The Kentucky Derby” for the 61^st annual event. This year’s festival starts on Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7^t.

Activities during the three-day festival will appeal to all ages. At the James J. Eagan Center, fair-goers will find culturally diverse performances, an aerial circus performance, a vendor/craft fair, a pretty baby photo contest, a magician, fan favorite Babaloo and children’s activities.

Musical entertainment will be provided on both Friday and Saturday starting with the Array Band from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 5^th. On Saturday, May 6 performances by the Soulard Band playing from at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Trilogy Band performing from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. followed by the band Power Play performing from 4 to 6 p.m.

Carnival games and rides for families are featured at the Duchesne Home Association Grounds (formerly the Knights of Columbus Grounds). To maintain a family friendly and neighborhood atmosphere, the Knights will once again require that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Other short-term changes allow for better crowd management and traffic flow in and around the festival grounds. The plan includes temporary traffic regulations to prevent festival traffic from interfering with local businesses, a well-enforced dress code and increased overall security. There will be standalone, self-service ticket kiosks.   Finally, all ticket booths will be equipped with credit card machines for added convenience. The Luehrs Ideal Ride tickets never expire so if you have some left from the last festival bring them.

Also, around town patrons can visit the Old Town Partners Classic Car Show on Saturday down rue St. Francois, participate in the Volksmarch, visit the Historic Log Cabin at Tower Court Park on Washington St. at South New Florissant Rd., see a Lacrosse demonstration at the Eagan Center soccer field, and of course enjoy mouth-watering food everywhere.

The 2^nd Annual Washers Tourney will be held on Saturday, May 6 starting at 11 a.m., check-in at 10:30 a.m., at the James J. Eagan Center. For more information and to sign up, visit www.florissantvalleyofflowers.com. Also, on that same day and at JJE, the popular Touch-A-Truck will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Once again the City of Florissant is pulling out all the stops to provide a wonderful weekend of family entertainment with many free productions and events,” said Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery, “All of these fun activities will culminate with the annual parade and crowning of the Valley of Flowers Queen and Her Court on Sunday, May 7^t at the Duchesne Home Association fairgrounds. We invite all of our residents, neighbors and friends to join us for this annual salute to spring in Florissant.”

The Valley of Flowers office is taking booth applications until the last Friday in April. All the information and applications can be found at www.florissantvalleyofflowers.com as well as a full listing of activities and events that will take place starting on May 5 through May 7. Be sure to also check their Facebook page for updates and the Florissant Spotlight.

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