Daffodil Days in Newport Brings Golden Celebrations to the City Starting 4/2
With the arrival of April this weekend, things will get “daffy” in Newport for its annual Daffodil Days, a month-long initiative that ushers in Springtime to the city by the sea.
With over one million daffodils ready to bloom in the city by the sea, the Spring season is ushered in with “daffy doings”, celebrations, parades, family activities, and more.
On Sunday, April 2nd, the opening ceremony of Daffodil Days will commence at Bannister’s Wharf, kickstarting a month’s long celebration in the “Daffiest City in New England.”
Becoming the “Daffiest City in New England”
In 2006, Scott Wheeler, Newport’s Tree Warden, was inspired by the Daffodil plantings in Aberdeen, Scotland, and formed Parks in Bloom, a mission that kickstarted the goal of having one-million daffodils planted throughout the city.
Nowadays, Newport is home to over 1,300,00 daffodils.
“Of course, the more daffodils that grace our beautiful state each spring, the more tourists will visit, benefiting the state and local economies,” said Newport in Bloom. “We all know Newport is a world-class destination each summer.”
The History of Daffodil Days in Newport
Newport in Bloom (formerly Parks in Bloom) is a 501(c)(3) organization that was founded in 1982 by the late Jean West and INeko Stephan to “beautify the city with gardens and flowers,” Last year was the 40th year that the organization encouraged businesses and residents to get outside, meet their neighbors, and plant some flowers.
Newport in Bloom is a 100% volunteer organization that is committed to keeping Newport beautiful.
What to Expect All Month Long for Daffodil Days
The golden tradition kicks off on Sunday, April 2nd at Bannister’s Wharf with musket fire and a garland of daffodils cut by Miss Daffodil and Newport’s Mayor, followed by the “Daffy Doggy Paw-rade.” From there, activities and events take place every weekend in April, from the Newport Rhode Races to the “Driving Miss Daffodil” parade.
The city’s gorgeous bloom can be seen all over the city, but visitors should make a point to check out the seven official daffodil fields to get the best golden experience, like the field by the Cliff Walk or the fields across from Easton’s Beach.
April is the daffiest time to visit Newport. Be sure to check out the official Daffodil Day page for event updates.