Sundridge, Ontario is known for many things, from its hockey players to its picturesque lakeside setting. This year, another symbol of the little village in the heart of Almaguin is set to make a reappearance, as the annual Sunflower Festival returns after a decade-long hiatus.

According to festival chair Sue Ayotte, the idea to revive the festival was first discussed among members of the Sundridge-Strong Recreation Committee last summer.

“There was a belief that it was not something the recreation committee should be doing, so some of the members got together with members of the community to form a festival committee,” said Ayotte.

The sunflower is the official flower of Sundridge, chosen many years ago. It is a fitting symbol for the vacation town known to many as “Sunny Sundridge.”

Beginning with three core members, Ayotte, Betty MacLaren and Darlene Leggett, the festival committee has grown five-fold since the first call went out for volunteers last fall. Local citizens and service groups were quick to come on board, including the Sundridge Harmony Guild, the Sundridge Lions Club, the local horticultural society, the Strong Agricultural Society (marking their 125^th anniversary this year), Burk's Falls Arts and Crafts, the Almaguin Highlands Council for the Arts, and a number of local churches and businesses.

Much brainstorming and planning has taken place in recent months, and this revitalized festival promises to be better than ever, with such attractions as live music, a street dance, an outdoor movie night, food, vendors, contests, art exhibits and even a triathlon. These events and their organizers will be profiled on this website over the coming months.

The Sundridge Sunflower Festival will run from August 14 to 16, 2009, in the village of Sunny Sundridge on the shores of beautiful Lake Bernard. See you there.