Parys getting ready for first ever FS FLower Festival

In just a few days the much-anticipated Free State Flower Festival will be in full bloom attracting tourists and locals alike to enjoy Mother Nature at her prettiest. Taking place on November 11 and 12, the Festival sees the vibrant town of Parys come alive with an array of exciting entertainment and activities including 600 …

In just a few days the much-anticipated Free State Flower Festival will be in full bloom attracting tourists and locals alike to enjoy Mother Nature at her prettiest. Taking place on November 11 and 12, the Festival sees the vibrant town of Parys come alive with an array of exciting entertainment and activities including 600 performers, five massive floats, giant flowers and fireworks, alongside an amazing floral storytelling precinct. To help you get your daisies in a row, we bring you everything you can expect at this exciting, not to be missed event.

 

  • The Free State Flower festival is open to everyone and, best of all, there’s absolutely no cover charge. The event starts from 10h00 to 21h00. Keep in mind that the scale of the Festival is huge and will be nothing Parys has ever seen been before and there will be an expected 50 000 visitors. Early birds find the sweetest nectar so it’s best to come when doors open if you want to be first to experience everything this Festival offers.

 

  • The festival will run over two days. On Friday the business part of the festival will be taken care of in the form of lectures, a flower forum, discussions, courses etc. On Saturday the fun will start with an hour and a half parade, dancers, floats and music will parade through the main road of Parys.

 

  • Parys is one of the most prettiest of towns and certainly a place that should feature on your bucket list. If it’s your first time visiting, rest assured although the town is tiny, you won’t miss it! Visitors can access Parys from N1 both (South & North) and off-ramp to R59. The other route will be from Vredefort also R59.

 

  • Parking will be available at designated areas and people will be allowed to park free of charge. Security will be available at flower festival venues. In addition, there will be VIP parking. Shuttles will be available between public parking space and the main event venues.

 

  • All security agencies including SAPS and Traffic will be part of the event to ensure that safety and traffic flows normally. Access roads will be operating as normal – only the main street of Bree and inter-linking streets will be affected.

 

  • The event is an outdoor activity and all businesses will be operating as normal so people will be able to purchase alcohol. Please note that all items that bridge security will, however, not be allowed but people can bring along picnic blankets, brollies, sunscreen, bottled water, cameras, and any other items they can to make the day a festive and family event.

 

  • Chances are, you’re going to be on your feet for a good amount of time so it’s best to  wear comfortable shoes, warmer jackets for cool evening and bring along a camp chair or two. Any additionals will be on offer for a fee around Parys.

 

  • There will be rest room along the parade and precinct. Medics will also be stationed at all key points to respond to any challenges that might arise.

 

  • The event is an out-door event and it’s hoped that the African sun will be smiling on the day and the parade will continue without any thunder clouds. But to date organisers are awaiting SA Weather Services to give prediction as the date draws closer. Be sure to bring a pair of leggings, a hoodie, shoes that won’t get ruined in the rain, an anorak and a wide-brimmed hat. That way, you’ll be covered for any sort of surprises.

 

  • Parys is known for antiques and those could be souvenir for family and friends as we approach Festive Season. All major bank ATM”s are available in Parys at close proximity to the event.

 

  • There will be a variety of cuisines at the event including African, Portuguese and Italian cuisine. Come hungry and indulge in the mouth-watering food available.

 

 

 Need more information:

Facebook – @FreeStateFlowerFestival

Direct Link: https://www.facebook.com/freestateflowerfestival/

 

Liezl Scheepers

Liezl Scheepers is editor of the Parys Gazette, a local community newspaper distributed in the towns of Parys, Vredefort and Viljoenskroon. As an experienced community journalist in all fields for the past 30 years, she has a passion for her community, and has been actively involved in several community outreach projects as part of Parys Gazette's team.

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