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2017 Nantucket Daffodil Festival

Stories

Nantucket Living

J. Brent Tartamella
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The 2017 Nantucket Daffodil Festival signifies much more than the little Narcissus perennial flower lets on. The Festival includes and antique car parade, art shows, tours, flower and historical exhibitions, fun contests and informative lectures. The entire weekend has a nostalgic feeling honoring Americana and an electric energy that I haven’t experienced anywhere else. Nantucketers look forward to this holiday all winter long.  And if you think I’m being dramatic, you’ve never suffered through a long New England winter! There is simply no better way to begin the countdown to the Nantucket summer season than attending this colorful and activity-packed weekend on Nantucket.  So what does the Nantucket Daffodil Festival have to offer?  Here’s Fisher’s list of family-friend Daffy-day events.

2017 nantucket daffodil festival

 2017 Nantucket Daffodil Festival Events:  Saturday, April 29th

One of the main events, the antique car parade, begins at noon with staging on Main Street at 9:30am. Head into town early to get a parking spot and then stop by our office at 21 Main Street where we will be serving coffee, mimosas and some breakfast treats, courtesy of our good friends at Tillbury and Skiff.  Fisher Real Estate has a front row seat for you to admire the antique cars decorated with unique themes and everything Daffodil.  Once the cars depart Main Street, pack your picnic bags and head out to ‘Sconset for a tailgate party with old and new friends.

To give you a taste of what to expect, here is a video from our office at the 2016 Nantucket Daffodil Festival:

1PM-3PM: Daffodil Festival Tailgate Picnic, ‘Sconset

The tailgate picnic in Siasconset follows the Antique Car Parade and is a favorite among everyone who attends. Picnics can be elaborate or simple. You may be taken aback by the generosity of your neighbors and new friends out in ‘Sconset! The Pine Woods Morris Dancers often perform throughout the day.

Fisher Real Estate will also be hosting an open house at one of our beautiful ‘Sconset listings.  Swing by 2 Hydrangea Lane on your way to or from the tailgate. We will be serving refreshments and would love to show you this new construction 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom house abutting acres of conservation.2017 nantucket daffodil festival

2PM-5PM: Daffodil Flower Show, Bartlett’s Farm

Do you have a green thumb or a propensity for flower arranging? Then this weekend is for you. This year, the 43rd Annual Community Daffodil Flower Show will be held at Bartlett’s Farm and is the epicenter of the weekend. In this local contest, botanists submit their unique blooms to many different categories. It is amazing to see the various colors, sizes, arrangements and photography exhibited. The Daffodil Show is free of charge. Donations are welcome and go towards the Island’s Daffodil Planting Fund for community projects. If you don’t have transportation, there is a free shuttle bus from Washington St on Saturday only during show hours.

2017 Nantucket Daffodil Festival 7

Additional Chamber of Commerce Events

We are grateful to the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce who sponsor these Daffodil Festival events that include every generation:

  • Daffy Hat Pageant
  • Children’s Parade and Family Picnic at Children’s Beach
  • Antique Car Parade
  • 7th Annual Daffy Dog Parade
  • Window Decorating Contest
  • Famous ‘Sconset Tailgate Picnic and Contest

 

Who remembers their first big milestones: their first trophy, first kiss, first car? After moving to Nantucket year-round 13 years ago and hearing so much about the Daffodil Festival, the first daffodil I spotted in 2005 made a big impression on me. For the past 12 years, the first Daffodil citing continues to be 2 little Daffodils across from the hospital entrance on Prospect Street. I hope you are able to attend the 2017 Nantucket Daffodil Festival this year! And if you can’t make it to Nantucket, stay tuned to our social media channels to see how we celebrate!

Finally, a bit of advice. Make your ferry, plane, hotel, and restaurant reservations early! The 2017 Nantucket Daffodil Festival is similar to Stroll weekend where many visitors return to celebrate the holiday. And don’t forget your yellow apparel! You won’t believe the head to toe yellow outfits, daffodil hats and dog outfits. Pretty much anything that has yellow is ready to wear on Saturday AND Sunday! The goofier the better!

Click here for the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce Festival details

Click here for Gene Mahon’s, Mahon About Town Calendar

Written By

J. Brent Tartamella

A New England native, with roots and a career in hospitality and private club management, Brent moved to Nantucket in 2004.