Daffodil Festival Crowds Exceed 25,000

By Press release submission

Apr 5, 2022

Organizers are estimating over 25,000 people visited the 36th annual Gloucester Daffodil Festival this past weekend. Vendors that participated reported having more sales on Saturday alone than what they had during the last full-scale event, which took place in 2019. The weather on Saturday and Sunday boasted plentiful sunshine and comfortable temperatures, causing many visitors wanting to continue enjoying the event even after the 5 p.m. closing.

“We could not have been more pleased with how things went this weekend,” said Katey Legg, Director of Gloucester’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. Her staff and countless community volunteers worked many hours preparing for the festival and ensuring everything went smoothly during the two-day event. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a crowd the size we saw on Saturday at any festival that I’ve ever been a part of,” Legg added. “And by the looks on everyone’s faces, it seemed like our visitors were ecstatic about getting outdoors and back to enjoying the festival.” The Daffodil Show and the Gloucester-hosted Mid-Atlantic American Daffodil Society Show held at Newington Baptist Church were also extremely popular.

The following awards were presented during opening ceremonies on Saturday:

- Scholarship Winner: Sam Cook

- 2022 Queen: Stephanie Riedell

- 2022 Little Miss: Emerson Byrd

- Fine Art Winners: Best in Show, Fine Art by John Obolewicz; 2nd place, Glass by Basha; 3rd place,

The Ships Hold

- Original Handcraft: Best in Show, Jewelry Designs by Jim and Linda Harrison; 2nd place, Karen’s

Glass; 3rd place, Only Once Originals; Queen’s Choice, Cat’s Candles

Parade winners include the following:

- Floats: American Legion Post 75 Auxilliary and American Legion Riders

- Serving our Community: American Legion Post 75 Auxilliary and American Legion Riders

- Schools: Ware Academy