Enthusiasts from around the world traveled to spectate the picturesque landscapes of unique blooms at the Twentieth Annual Oakes Daylily Bloom Festival on Friday and Saturday June 28 and 29. The weather was usual for East Tennessee’s late June days, very hot and muggy, but the temperatures did not slow down the masses of guests attending.

There were activities for every age group or any interest level at the festival. Guests mingled in and were welcomed into the colorful gardens with smiling blooms from the more than one thousand varieties of daylilies. After viewing the gardens, each attendee patiently meandered to the tent in the lower field where they were treated to a complimentary daylilies, either Tennessee Tan or Corryton Pink, dependent upon the color of penny drawn from the bucket.

After walking through the lily beds and touring the six acres of natural beauty, some freshening and re-hydration was needed. To cool down from the heat, the Oakes and staff served guests with juicy red watermelon, sweet lemonade, and icy cold water. Visitors were welcomed by the shade to enjoy the free refreshments and local music, which set the tone for the fest.

Kids were very present at the family fun event. The youths of all ages circulated with their families learning varieties and techniques. Others played in the children’s tent and met new friends in the sand. Some, along with the rest of the family, hopped in the over sized, old time wooden chair for a photo keepsake of the memorable festival experience.

Along with the number of fun activities for the family, guests were able to purchase special daylilies to add to their collections as well as visit the plant sale for purchase of dozens of varieties that were pre-dug and ready to take home. Hostas are also an Oakes specialty and were open for purchase in the Hosta houses at the entrance to the festival.

Near the gazebo, spectators who paid close attention to this special showplace could view trial daylilies. Trial daylilies are either being performance tested or building enough stock to be able to sell the variety. Typically, if bearable, they become for purchase within a few years.

Oakes Daylilies has been in the business for more than forty years now. Wanting to keep every customer happy and to ensure the quality of their products, they guarantees each daylily for life. Quality is at the top of the list of importance for the family. Growing at least 4,000 varieties over the years, they narrow down the selections to hearty, beautiful, unique, and especially, reliable choices. The farm boasts upon their ability to provide fresh from the farm, dug at order plants, selling plants that have been out of the ground for less than twenty four hours at time of shipment.

If you have yet to attend the annual two day festival, or were unable to attend this year’s event, be sure to visit the Oakes Daylily Facebook page where you can see so many of the gorgeous lilies grown as well as keep up with the festival and other activities offered by the farm throughout seasons.