The end of an era is around the corner for a popular family event in Shawano County.
The Bergsbaken family opened the doors of their rural Cecil farm to sunflower lovers for the past decade.
This year’s Sunflower Festival at Bergsbaken Farms, located at W2095 County Road E, Cecil, is scheduled for July 25-27.
Not only is the festival marking its 10th anniversary this year, the Bergsbaken family also announced that it will be the last.
“What began 10 years ago as a small idea to host a sunflower festival has grown into something truly unforgettable,” according to a July 14 post on the Bergsbaken Farms Facebook page. “Each year, we’ve been humbled and overjoyed to see so many families walk the same fields we did as kids. Watching others create memories, laugh together, and soak in the sunshine has been the greatest gift of all.”
Brothers Lee and Dale Bergsbaken operate the farm with their wives, BettyAnn and Shari, and help from Jason and Lisa Peterson.
Lee and Dale’s parents, Daryl and Marie Bergsbaken, started the farm.
“This will be our final one,” Lee Bergsbaken said. “I want to retire. I’m 70, and my brother is 63. We’re at the point where we’re not getting any younger. Even our volunteers are getting older, and it’s getting harder to get people.”
The festival has a $3 admission fee and has attracted thousands of visitors from throughout the country.
“The dream behind Sunflower Fest wasn’t about profits,” according to the Facebook post. “It was about sharing the beauty of this land with others – the land we grew up on, where we get to see the beauty every day. Even as other sunflower festivals popped up elsewhere, we kept our prices low because we believe every family deserves a chance to enjoy this beauty.”
The Bergsbaken family works together to make the festival happen.
“Just as this event brings visitors together, it brings our family back together, too,” according to the Facebook post. “From the work of the owners, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews and grandkids working every corner of the festival, it truly is a labor of love.
“After 10 beautiful years, it’s time for our family to rest, reflect and spend more time together not just working, but being together. We hope you’ll join us for one last celebration to walk the fields, smile in the sunshine and help us say goodbye to this special tradition that’s meant so much to us and our community.”
“We started it and it grew bigger than we ever imagined,” Lee Bergsbaken said. “It’s been a good run. All good things must come to an end.”
Sunflowers to take final bow at Bergsbaken Farms
