It’s an honour, you know? I mean, how many ordinary citizens ever get to make an official announcement of any sort, much less of something they’ve spearheaded? How often does any level of government accept a recommendation from an ordinary citizen and then do them the courtesy of recognizing their contribution?
I don’t want to seem immodest, but I figure we’re talking here about something that will permanently enhance Canada’s tourism prospects as well as Canadians’ view of our country — quite a legacy, for those old enough to care about such things.
And so, because I can’t think of any further ado, I now take great pride in announcing the latest addition to this country’s already extensive calendar of celebrations:
The Dandelion Festival
I know what you’re thinking. Well, why didn’t you think of it? I guess it’s like any great innovation, any creative breakthrough, any bold new idea: It’s obvious only after the fact. And speaking of obvious, let’s look at the key features of this new Festival, starting with the currently necessary ones.
Green-ness & Community – Well, of course, dandelions are green. And it’s green not to poison them: a two-fer. As for community, the Dandelion Festival — like the Canadian Tulip Festival — starts with a solid base of public sponsorship, while inviting (almost mandating) private participation, whether with one or two plants or with a whole yard-full.
Continuity – As lovely as they are, Ottawa’s tulips, Calgary’s lilacs, and Vancouver’s cherry blossoms come and go; dandelions come and stay. They really are the gift that keeps on giving. Even with a late Spring in Ottawa, we’re already into our second crop.
Trans-Seasonal, Pan-Canadian – Forget festivals limited to summer or to winter, or to just one location. I’ve seen dandelions flowering in Toronto in November, through a crust of ice on the grass. The Dandelion Festival is at least a three-season celebration. Moreover, all corners of this great land boast a robust, some might say rowdy, dandelion population. What could be better for national unity than to celebrate something we all have in common?
Add-on Opportunities – Every truly great festival boasts food and drink, but only the Dandelion Festival provides food (salad greens) and drink (dandelion wine) from the festival honoree itself. And last, but certainly not least, the Dandelion Festival offers the keen photographer opportunities within their own community, maybe even right outside their own door. Moreover, dandelions are equally as lovely in all their forms.
I hope you’ll join me in celebrating this year’s inaugural event. For sure it’s already running in your community, but there’s no hurry. You equally surely have until well after the snow flies to get on board.
Lovely photos, Isabel, especially of the (sigh…) Rocky Mountains! Also, I think this proposed “festival” of dandelions should include music — as an example, here’s a song from the Hollies called “Dandelion Wine” — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNBVoyjD0ns.
Marilyn – There you go: music. Surely now we have all the prerequisites. Party on!
Isabel
That festival makes perfect sense to me. It can be celebrated anytime…just pick a date…and a dandelion.
Tom
Tom – Or a thousand dandelions! We seem to have an abundance.
Isabel, you forgot to mention that dandlion roots, roasted and ground, make a (more or less) acceptable coffee. Well, so I’m told. I’ve never been brave enough to try it myself.
JIm T
Jim – I don’t drink coffee, but here’s a link should anyone else care to try this foraging opportunity.