daffodil festivals

Let the South's golden flowers put a little spring in your step.

Each March more than 15,000 visitors converge on Dennis Daniel's home in Camden, Arkansas, to witness a showy display of more than 1,200 kinds of daffodils. What started as a bonding activity with his sons has blossomed into a two-day event known as the Camden Daffodil Festival. "My wife, Roxane, actually does all the work," admits Dennis.

The flowers cover 9 acres around Dennis's home. Four other daffodil gardens as well as home tours are part of the festivities. The event has even spilled over into the streets of downtown Camden, where arts and crafts, food vendors, and live music performances mark the celebration.

Dennis's blooming brigade started 14 years ago when Roxane's mom sent more than 1,000 daffodil bulbs as a Christmas present. Springtime in Camden has been a gift ever since. Camden Daffodil Festival: March 10-11. Weekend pass: $25 adults, $15 ages 6-12. For more information call (870) 836-6426, or visit www.camden festival.com. FARRAH AUSTIN

Cheery daffodils on Dennis Daniel's property encouraged the writer to make herself at home.

Fremont, North Carolina

Known as The Daffodil Town, Fremont, North Carolina, welcomes guests to its annual daffodil festival held the last Saturday in March. The free event, now in its 20th year, includes arts and crafts, carriage rides, and music from local choirs throughout the town. As you leave, head down U.S. 117 where the striking daffodils line the route. Fremont Daffodil Festival: March 25. Admission: free. For more information call (919)242-6012, or visit www.greatergoldsboro.com/ farm_ag.html.

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Beginning around the first of March, Brookgreen Gardens features its daffodil quarter in celebration of the garden's 75th anniversary. While there, stop by Brookgreen's animal sculpture exhibit, which starts March 10, displaying the work of founder Anna Hyatt Huntington. Brookgreen Gardens Daffodil Days: This event begins when the daffodils bloom, usually late February to early March. Admission: $12 adults, $10 ages 13-18, $5 ages 6-12. For more information call 1-800-849-1931.

Round Rock, Texas

About 10 minutes north of Austin, you'll find the Daffodil Capital of Texas in Round Rock. This small city off 1-35 was christened with the title by the state legislature three years ago. Today guests find blooms dotted along major routes in town (FM 1325, RM 620, and U.S. 79). Food, crafts, and games can be found in the town's seniors center, which sponsors the event. Round Rock Daffodil Festival: April 1. Admission: free. For more information visit www.rrdaffodil capitaltx.us.

Gloucester, Virginia

Visitors file into the city of Gloucester the first Saturday and Sunday in April for a peek at the pretty petals. Local entertainers, musicians, storytellers, and singers as well as a tour of Brent and Becky's Bulbs daffodil farm are among the highlights. Visitors can catch the tour bus ($5) at the corner of Lewis Avenue and Main Street for a ride to the farm. Gloucester Daffodil Festival: April 1-2. Admission: free. For more information call (804) 693-2355, or visit www. gloucesterva.info.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2006
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