Last year my sister saw a listing in Southern Living magazine Calendar of Events for a Daffodil Festival in Wye, Arkansas. Since neither of us had ever heard of Wye, Arkansas, before (despite the fact that we were Arkansas natives who have lived in the state all our lives), our curiosities were aroused. Through the use of a trusty Arkansas map, and the Internet, I found out that Wye, Arkansas, is in Perry County, in central Arkansas. Furthermore, I had a trip to central Arkansas planned for the time period involved, so I determined to try to visit this location. After driving for what seemed like days, I finally found the intersections of Highway 113 and Highway 300 where the Wye Mountain United Methodist Church is located. It is this group of Christ-followers that we can thank, for their years of effort that have gone into the planting of thousands of daffodil bulbs. Besides the beauty that the site offers, it is used as a fundraiser for their church. Each spring, they sell bulbs, as well as the opportunity to pick your own bouquet of already-blooming daffodils. (The picking of blooming daffodils is managed by roping off various changing locations of the property where it is permissible to pick flowers in bloom, hence avoiding completely devastating the site by too many bouquet gatherers at one time). There is also a building adjacent to the fields where hand-made crafts are sold (most with a daffodil theme), as well as home-baked goodies. In addition, there are picnic tables, and portable toilets for the public to use free of charge. Inside the church, you can attend Good Friday services each Easter weekend, followed by an outdoor Easter Sunday Sunrise Service (April 12, 2009) at the Cross location in the midst of the field of daffodils. Looking at the beauty of these remarkable yellow creations,p brings to mind the words of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 12:27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!" These are good words to keep in mind during tough economic conditions when many are worrying about their worldly attire and possessions. When I visited Wye, I was mainly interested in doing some photography. If that is your purpose, I would recommend going on a weekday, rather than a weekend, to avoid excessive people "cluttering" your photos. Furthermore, on a weekday, if you want to take a self-portrait in the field, I'd recommend a tripod, as there is nothing to set your camera on for such a shot, and not many visitors in the field on weekdays, that you could ask to take a photo for you. The upper right hand photo of me in the collage above is "lopsided", because I had to hang my camera by its strap on a fence post to get the shot. Such measures do not make for a well-composed piece of art! However, if you would like a great day in the outdoors with your family or friends, try to attend the Daffodil Festival events held on the weekends. You can enjoy the people-watching, as well as the flower watching, AND attend regular Sunday morning worship services at the church. For more information on the Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival, visit www.arkansas.com or email wmc.connect@gmail.com . The address is 22300 Highway 13, Bigelow, Arkansas. If you go, have a "bloomin' good time" with miles of smiles! Tricia
