FULL BLOOM

Tulip Fest returns for three weekends ahead at The Roots at Bentley Lake

The bees were buzzing on Monday around lunchtime at The Roots at Bentley Lake as they prepare for their second annual event celebrating springtime.

The 2nd annual Tulip Fest kicks off for the first of three weekends on Saturday, March 14 and continues through Sunday, March 15. The second weekend is set for March 21-22, and then wraps up on March 28-29.

Music, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and most importantly large flower boxes packed full of tulips are being organized for the Saturday morning start.

And the tulips are ready to be taken home. Many were opened up and taking in the sunshine in full bloom for participants to take home for a fee. They are available to harvest at $2.50 per flower and bulb, or $25 for an even dozen. Those who want to purchase tulips will be provided instructions on how to gather them out of the garden boxes.

Getting ready for the event with the help of family members took up the task well ahead of spring to plant 14,000 over the course of a few hours ahead of winter and have been patiently waiting for the warmer weather to arrive in Polk County and allow the colors to truly pop.

Now they’re prepping through the week for the dozens of vendors expected, and a large crowd for the event. It is free to attend, costs to harvest flowers, and vendors will have a variety of items on sale through the weekend along with beer and wine on-site only.

Doors open at 10 a.m. this Saturday. Check back for additional times and any changes as weather may impair festival plans.

The Roots at Bentley Lake is located on 578 Tallapoosa Highway (Or Hwy. 100 South) in Polk County (on the right side heading to Tallapoosa, left coming from Haralson County) near the intersection of Sewell Creek Road. They are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays during their regular schedule.