TALK of sunflowers and starry nights might have you thinking of Van Gogh’s most famous works, but these are the ingredients for a sunset party set to end with a bang.
Evening in the Sunflowers is the brainchild of Mt Walker farmer Norm Kerle and his wife Sandra, with the support their daughter, Jo, launched the inaugural celebration last year on the Kerle’s sunflower farm, complete with music, dancing, fireworks, and starlit skies.
Across 44 hectares, more than 4.5 million sunflowers are now in bloom, ready to welcome visitors on Saturday.
Mr Kerle said conditions were perfect.
“We couldn’t have hoped for better weather for Evening in the Sunflowers this weekend.”
Sunflowers always faced in the direction of the morning sun.
“People think they follow the sun’s path during the day but that’s not true; they face the sun in the morning and face that way all day,” he said.
The Mt Walker farmer turned his back on growing soya beans eight years ago, returning to tried and tested favourite, the sunflower.
“We started struggling with the drought three years ago and Centrelink asked me if I had ever thought of going into agri-tourism,” he said.
“That’s when the idea of Evening in the Sunflowers came to us.”
The evening this year promises award-winning country musicians Billy Bridge and Rebecca Lee Nye who have played most major festivals in Australia and frequently perform overseas.
The husband-and-wife team have played at the famous Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville and in New Zealand and India.
“They will bring a vast catalogue of hits from all genres of music, both classic covers and self-crafted songs,” Mr Kerle said.
One hurdle they have faced this year had been battling to get insurance for the fireworks show.
“No Australian insurance company would cover fireworks,” he said.
“I had to go to Lloyd’s of London.
“When you back me up against the wall, I just fight harder. I told them I am having fireworks to give people a good night’s entertainment and that is what I shall have.”
Up to eight food vans will be on hand serving everything from coffee to hamburgers, pizzas, pies and ice-cream.
Three acres of olives will provide the perfect backdrop where diners can enjoy their meal.
A resident photographer takes photographs, but guests are welcome to take their own, too.
The event starts at 5pm, with the fireworks finale at 9pm at Kerle Road, Mount Walker.
Tickets for the event on March 25 are available online and at the gate.
