Auburn Twp. – Ianiro Farm, is hosting their first Sunflower Festival on Saturday, August 13th and Sunday, the 14th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Auburn at 18266 Thorpe Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, where guests will be able to pick their sunflowers, shop with local artisans and collectors, pet donkeys and play yard games at the Ianiro’s farm of five generations.
Vendor spaces approximately 10’ x 10’ will cost $10, and guest admission is free.
Founders of IQ Maple Syrup, the Ianiros are excited to welcome the community to their spacious Ohio farm to pick sunflowers and celebrate local creatives and creators. When they’re not at their 9-to-5s, the Ianiros work hard harvesting maple syrup and other produce, tending to their animals, and repurposing old materials to make functional works of art.
After Jena saw the potential of this year’s sunflower harvest, she was inspired to host a festival where the community could shop, play games, interact with the farm animals and take a little bit of sunshine home with them.
“I love seeing people smile,” Jena said. “You can’t help but smile when you’re in a field of sunflowers. My husband, Walter, and I enjoy everyone visiting the farm. Whether it’s to taste sweet maple syrup, spend time with the donkeys, or picking sunflowers, we hope everyone leaves with a smile and a bright day ahead of them.”
When Jena told her idea to her son Nick, who works at Cleveland Art and has been an essential member of the team hosting art festivals at Reithoffer’s Art Gallery and Event Space, he was thrilled to help bring the concept to life.
“I’ve always wanted to welcome people to experience all the joys of our fifth-generation farm, spent time with the animals, and celebrate,” Nick said. “Our farm has a lot to offer.”
Nick is a jack of many trades, but recently in his spare time, he has mostly been working with wood, carving bowls, jewelry, and candles he fills with his candle wax. He will be one of many creators setting up a booth at the event.
For more information on signing up to sell goods at the Sunflower Festival, vendors may call or text Nick Ianiro at (440) 264-3161 or Jena Ianiro at (440) 567-7500, and more information can be found at ianirofarm.com or IQ Maple Syrup’s Facebook page.
