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The weather was great through most of the weekend resulting in a very successful Valley of Flowers festival once again. Thousands came out to enjoy food, live music, entertainment, activities for kids, the car show, and carnival rides. The festival kicked off on May 2nd by bringing back “Family Night” and ended on May 5th with the Parade and the Crowning of our 2024 Queen and her Court. This year’s theme was “Where did you go to high school?”

This year’s Parade Marshalls were Christina and Nathan Bennett. When you think of this community, you think of the Bennets. They have been owners and operators to Hendel’s Market Cafe for the last 26 years. This year is Hendel’s 30th Anniversary.

The rest of the weekend was filled with fun activities for all ages. The James J. Eagan Center grounds do a great job of encompassing different activities for everyone. The craft/vendor fair was packed from the beginning until the end, as always and even had live music at the ice rink provided by Lee and Laneve. A pretty baby photo contest was held, as well as numerous children’s activities. Music was provided on Friday and Saturday. Shang-Ri La played on Friday Night, David Kinnison and Blake Bellinger on Saturday morning, and Fanfare on Saturday afternoon. Just as Power Play was set to take the stage we had to pause due to rain and unfortunately were unable to continue.

This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous sponsors. The event sponsor was The Daniel and Henry Co. Insurance and Risk Management.

Also at the Eagan Center was a cycling demo, magic by RW Magic, Kinetic Tapestry, Grouchie Gator: The Musical, petting zoo, Bubble Bus, Free Gaming provided by Fusion 314, and Touch-a-Truck. Touch-a-Truck was very well-attended and shows how many different things the City staff is capable of.

The carnival rides returned to the Duchesne Home Association Grounds. The whole weekend had a family-friendly feel to it, and we have both the Knights of Columbus and the Florissant Police Department to thank for that. The grounds were packed and the rides were, once again, a major attraction at this event.

Other events included the Old Town Partners Car show on St. Francois St., a Volksmarch, and a chance to visit the historic Log Cabin at Tower Court Park.

The Grand Parade is what makes this festival feel like home. Seeing thousands of people lined up and down the main streets in Florissant is why everyone works so hard to make this weekend happen. We had a huge turnout at the parade this year, accompanied by some great weather.

Congratulations to the 2024 Valley of Flowers Court First Runner-Up Emma Lowe, Special Maid Eliza Stevens, Special Maid Eleanor Tiemann, Special Maid Erin Schwartz, Special Maid Samantha Garvey, and Queen Sydney Cavlovich.

Mayor Tim Lowery thanked everyone who came out to enjoy the 62nd Annual Valley of Flowers Festival and make it such a great success. He is very proud of his City Staff who jumped in and helped during the heavy rainstorm that came in on Saturday Night. City Staff and Valley of Flowers Volunteers made all the right decisions and acted quickly when the bad storm moved in. They made sure everyone was safe and got things cleaned up extremely quickly to ensure that things were not damaged or ruined. A lot of planning and hard work goes into making this event the success that it is.

Planning for the 2025 63rd Annual Valley of Flowers Festival will be starting soon. Stay tuned for information on the Valley of Flowers Festival, call 314-837-0033 or visit www.florissantvalleyofflowers.com.

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