 – In this northwestern town, there was a very special tradition—the Peony Festival Parade. Every year, the town filled with vibrant colors, lively music, and happy…){kind=link}
Legend tells of a young girl named Lily who, many years ago, found a tiny, shy peony sprout in her grandmother’s garden. She was enchanted by its lush, fragrant petals and bright colors—pink, white, red, and purple. Each spring, Lily watched her grandmother whisper stories and sing lullabies to the blooming peonies.
As she grew older and moved away, Lily never forgot her magical garden. When the 50th Peony Festival Parade was announced for Saturday, June 7, 2025, starting at 5:00 pm, she knew it was time to return to Van Wert and share that magic once again.
The whole town was excited! They decorated floats with giant peony blossoms, dancers twirled in pink and white costumes, and marching bands played cheerful tunes. The highlight was a grand float shaped like a gigantic peony, shimmering with fabric and real flowers—showing everyone how much they loved these beautiful blooms.
That evening, Lily was invited to lead the parade, carrying a bouquet of the most fragrant peonies from her grandmother’s garden. As she walked, she told everyone about the peony’s special meaning—symbols of prosperity, love, and happiness. People listened closely as she explained how ancient stories said peonies could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
The festival wasn’t just a parade; it was a celebration of hope, community, and nature’s magic. Every year, the people plant new peonies, share stories, dance, and cherish the flowers that fill their lives with joy.
Come see beautiful floats decorated with giant peony blossoms, enjoy lively music and dancing, and watch Lily herself lead the parade with fragrant flowers from her grandmother’s garden. Bring your family, wear bright colors, and help us make this celebration unforgettable!
A Little About: Nestled in the heart of Ohio, Van Wert is a welcoming town with a rich history and warm-hearted residents. Since its founding in the early 1800s, it’s grown into a lively place filled with beautiful parks, historic landmarks, and friendly faces. During springtime, the fields burst with blooming peonies, filling the air with their sweet scent and inviting visitors from far and wide.
A Special Peony Poem for You
In gardens bright, where colors gleam,
Peonies dance in every dream.
Soft petals whisper, sweet and fair
A flower’s love beyond compare.
With pinks and whites and reds so bold,
Their stories bloom and softly hold,
Hope and joy for all to see,
In Van Wert’s land of harmony.
A Little Message for Children
Hello, little friends! Did you know that peonies are like big, beautiful smiles in the garden? They smell so sweet, and when you see them, remember that flowers help us feel happy and loved. Maybe one day, you can grow your very own peony and tell your friends about the magic of flowers!
Fun Activity: Make Your Own Peony Flower!
Materials Needed:
– Colored paper (pink, white, red, purple, or your favorite colors)
– Scissors
– Glue or tape
– Green pipe cleaners or craft sticks
– Markers or crayons
Steps:
- Cut out oval-shaped petals from colored paper.
- Gently curl the edges of each petal.
- Roll a small piece of paper into a tube for the flower’s center and secure it with glue or tape.
- Attach the petals around the center, overlapping for a full look.
- Tape a pipe cleaner or craft stick to make a stem.
- Decorate your flower with markers or crayons!
- Optional: Add a green paper leaf.
As I See It by Ben Rayman
https://www.vwpeonyfestival.com