7 September 2023
Carterton District Council is excited to confirm daffodils will still be available to purchase at this weekend’s Daffodil Festival, despite an unkind winter causing fewer daffodils to bloom.
Visits to the farm this week revealed there are less bloomed daffodils than what we’ve come to rely on, which means there won’t be enough to meet the demand of a full day of self-picking.
But we know the Carterton Daffodil Festival wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the iconic Middle Run farm, so to avoid disappointment, people will still be able to visit the farm, with pre-picked daffodils available to purchase for $4 per bunch.
Event organiser Jenny Gasson said she is thrilled to have a solution that ensures people still get their daffodil experience.
“When relying on seasonal flowering and weather, you have to accept that sometimes these things happen and are outside of our control,” Jenny said.
“We are really pleased that people will be able to visit Middle Run to take photos and still go home with a bunch of daffodils, as we know that’s what many people look forward to the most.”
“We are grateful to the Booth family of Middle Run Farm for their continued generosity and support, as St John’s and Plunket both rely on donations generated from daffodil purchases each year.”
Free buses will be running throughout the day between Carterton & Middle Run. There will be a fundraising sausage sizzle for Carterton Scouts at the entry to the farm, as well as Paws for a Break coffee cart. The Council is excited to provide selfie frames at the farm, to give people the opportunity to snap a pic amongst the daffodils to remember the day by.
All other events will continue as planned, including the Wai Art Show, steam train, food trucks, surrey rides and a whopping 145 market stalls – the most we’ve ever had.
“This is what the Carterton community is all about,” said Mayor Hon. Ron Mark.
“Together with the Booth family, the Council, and generous volunteers, the festival is full steam ahead, as expected.
“I’m really impressed by the sheer volume of stalls this year, which means there really is something for everyone.
“We can’t wait to see everyone there for another fantastic festival.”
The Mayor has also agreed to be auctioned off to be “dunked” as part of a fundraiser held by the Carterton Swim Club. Funds raised will go to the Carterton Indoor Pool Building Replacement Project. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/cartertonindoorpoolproject for more information.
Note: People can only access Middle Run via the free buses. Anyone who turns up to the farm in a private vehicle will be turned away. This is a working farm, so please bring suitable footwear.