MERIDEN — The 38th Annual Meriden Daffodil Festival is expecting a huge turnout of people this year, though perhaps not quite as many daffodils are you’re used to.
The mild winter, then burst of snow to kick off April wreaked havoc on the delicate flowers.
“The flowers came way too early,” said Mark Zebora, Meriden’s Director of Parks and Public Buildings. He noted the parks 600,000 daffodils started to sprout during the first week of February. The festival runs from April 30 to May 1.
But Zebora said he doesn’t think the the lack of flowers at a flower-inspired festival is going to be a bummer for business.
“One of the main things, main draws for a lot of people I know is local bands they have,” said John Frascatore of Southington. “It’s a big showcase for local bands that don’t get much recognition.”
The Meriden Daffodil Festival will feature 29 bands, fireworks, food, entertainment, a business expo and still many daffodils.
“A lot of floats that are in the Daffodil Festival parade have artificial daffodils,” said Sean Moore, President of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce.
Up to 100,000 people have attended Meriden’s signature weekend.
“There are buses that come in from Rhode Island and Massachusetts,” noted Moore.
In an effort to grow this tradition, the city spends about $10,000 a year planting up to 40,000 additional bulbs to make sure the park keeps up its reputation.
