All things lavender will be celebrated and highlighted when the Pennsylvania Lavender Festival is held this weekend, June 28 and 29, at the Blue Sparrow Farm near Milton.
According to festival organizers, the Pennsylvania Lavender Festival began in 2023 with just a few hundred plants. The number has now grown to more than 2,000 plants in four fields. Each year, there is a process of pruning and harvesting by hand.
The organizers state that lavender has challenges as it is a non-native plant, even though it is well-received as a butterfly and bee-loving plant in the United States. Weather abnormalities can cause the loss of plants; in 2024, they lost just 200 plants, while this year, they lost more than 800 plants as the winter weather and the rain have taken a hard toll on the plants, so organizers of the event are constantly replanting new ones each year.
According to organizers, there is something for everyone, whether you like lavender or not.
They said this is not your granny’s lavender! This is not the same smell as what has been called “granny’s lavender” sachet smell. Lavender is a sweet floral that is relaxing and invigorating.
There are more than 1,000 varieties of lavender. They grow just a few of them. Next year, they plan to add more varieties by incorporating our own greenhouse and growing them.
At the festival, people can visit more than 50 crafters and artisans, as well as food Vendors. You will find many lavender and non-lavender items, such as:
– Lavender Lemonade
– Lavender Chicken Salad
– Lavender Ice Cream
– Lavender Cupcakes
– Lavender Donuts
– Lavender Hummus
– Lavender Bath & Body Products
– Lavender Soap
– Lavender Candles
– Dried Lavender
– Lavender Plants
– Lavender Tea and Coffee and so much more.
But additionally, there are other non-lavender items like jewelry, moonshine, hard apple cider, wine, chainsaw carving, stained glass, candles, photography, soap, and so much more.
You can visit with their farm donkeys and even feed them treats. Alpacas will be here Saturday to greet all the guests. There will be live music on both days, and enjoy an extract-making demonstration, sage-lavender smudge sticks, and lavender arrangements demo. Come sit by the creek and enjoy the day! Stay as long as you like!
They also welcome any well-behaved pet on a leash. Remember to clean up after your pet!
You are also able to take pictures in the fields. However, please take just a few, and no professional pictures (senior/baby, etc.) should be taken. Remember other people want to experience it as well, so please be considerate. There will be plenty of photo ops.
It is summer so remember to wear light colored clothing to prevent bugs and ticks and whatever evil bugs are around — bug spray is recommended.
Wear comfortable shoes, preferably not flip flops, and something with a strap or tie. There will be some nubs and roots and hills and divots.
According to palavendarfest.com here are some items you should consider bringing to make your day more enjoyable:
– Chair: Please bring a chair if you want to enjoy the music or just sit and relax.
– Canopy: Feel free to bring a Pop-Up Tent to stay out of the sun as well. This is great idea for a bunch of friends and family.
– Sunscreen: It’s summertime and the sun is (hopefully!) out! We want you to leave with a happy feeling, not a painful one.
– Money: While our vendors typically do take cards, cash is always best just in case.
– Allergy Medicine: If you are allergic to bees, please make sure to bring something along…just in case!
– Sanitizer: Cause people and things have germs.
– Your Appetite: um…yummy food and drinks!!
– Big Wheel Stollers: you need big ones, not those dinky folding ones, or better yet bring those kiddos in a big wheel wagon!
– Battery: Bring a battery charger for your cell phone, last thing you want is to run out while taking pics.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door; kids are free.
To learn more, you can contact http://www.palavenderfest.com, bluesparrowfarm.com, or https://bluesparrowfarm.ticketspice.com/pa-lavender-festival-2025.
The event is June 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rain or shine.
