Hippie Daze to Bloomfest: Summer With Dallas Lavender Lane Farm
By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network
DALLAS, NC (WNN) – As summer days inch closer more people are searching for fun activities to occupy their time. Luckily, sunny days make for perfect festivals. Gaston County residents and visitors do not need to look too far for exciting festivals.
Specifically, the Dallas Lavender Lane Farm will offer two festivals this June. Mark Newton is the owner of the farm. He enjoys opening his farm to the public; especially for fun events and festivals.
Coming up the first weekend of June is the Hippie Daze Festival, set for June 1-2 from noon to 7 p.m. Hippie Daze is always a hit at the farm. Newton has hosted this event for the past three years. At least 3,000 people attend throughout the weekend.
“My favorite part is just to watch it. Everybody’s so happy coming through the gates,” said Newton.ย
Would it be a hippie festival without Volkswagen Buses? Hippie Daze will host a VW Bus contest and all entrants gain early access to the festival; at 10:00 a.m., on June 1. Come prepared with a decked-out VW Bus for a chance to win. Register for the contest at the Dallas Lavender Lane Website.
The festival will have live music and performances from stilt walkers, magicians and more. Newton recommends that festival goers bring blankets to sit on, so they can relax and enjoy the performance.
Hippie Daze
Newton said many vendors will attend, varying from crafts to food vendors. This dynamic event has something for everyone to enjoy, according to Newton, and is fun for all ages.
Hippie Daze is free for children 12 years old and younger. Single-day tickets for adults are $9.99, weekend-long tickets are $14.99 and they can be purchased online.
In North Carolina, lavender tends to start blooming in the last week of May. Hippie Daze is sure to be filled with the sweet aroma of new lavender buds.
Bloomfest
However, Dallas Lavender Lane Farm’s BloomFest should be perfect for fully bloomed lavender.ย
Taking place June 15-16, 2024, the BloomFest marks the peak of the blooming season. Similar to Hippie Daze, BloomFest will have live music and vendors. As the event gets closer, more details will be released regarding specific times.
BloomFest will feature an on-the-ground water slide. It is important to Newton that people of any age can enjoy the festival. For example, both festivals will have bubble shows which are popular among younger attendees. The slide, however, is a huge hit among most age demographics.
Patrons also have the chance to harvest lavender sprigs from the various plants around the property.
“You can come back to lounge in the field, take your pictures for free, or cut some lavender,” said Newton.ย
Dallas Lavender Lane Farms is known for its abundant blooms. However, Newton had to downsize his crop this year, due to bad weather. He is not discouraged, intending to plant new lavender crops in October.
“We’re going to redo the fields at the end of the summer and start planting in October. So hopefully, we’ll be all back to full capacity within two years,” said Newton.ย
Dallas Lavender Lane Farm
There is still more than enough lavender to go around. Newton harvests his lavender to produce goods like lavender oil, dried lavender and other fragrant products. He sells these items in a shop located at the farm. The store is open on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“Lavender brings the best out of people. I guess that’s the calming properties,” said Newton.
During regular operating hours, patrons can also enjoy a petting zoo. Goats, pigs and donkeys eagerly approach the fence awaiting a treat or a pat. Roxy the highland cow gently licks leaves from the outstretched palms of visitors. Though they enjoy guests, treat the animals with care when interacting with them.
The farm also acts as a wedding and event venue. Recently, Newton installed a bridal room for wedding guests and parties to utilize. It is conveniently located on the farm, right beside the covered pavilion for receptions. Brides and others can use the space to get ready.ย
Newton is passionate about providing a comfortable and joyous time to any patron of Dallas Lavender Lane Farms. From festival goers to bridal parties, he caters to their needs and wants, always trying to improve the experience.
It’s just a relaxing time. You’ll be able to see the lavender in full bloom and you’ll notice that the people who come here are happy,” said Newton.
As the summer unfolds, Dallas Lavender Lane Farm can be a destination for moments of bliss and tranquility. Whether basking in the energy of the festivals or savoring the peace of the lavender fields, what is better than hitting reset with calming lavender and happy company?
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