Greg Pollock’s Sunfox Farm, a 20-acre sunflower field discreetly tucked behind a bustling parking lot for various commercial enterprises along Loudon Road, is now in full bloom and open to visitors.

The location of Concord’s Sunflower Festival is an oasis of green next to the Merrimack River.

“At first, I was a little nervous with the farm being right in the city and how that would kind of change farming for me,” said Pollock, who started Sunfox Farm on the leased land.

A Farm In The Middle Of The City

The lines between urban and rural life further blur as Pollock’s seed harvesting equipment sits at the field’s edge, almost touching the road leading to commercial establishments.

With the plants now standing more than four feet tall and growing, the field will be the venue for the sunflower festival until Aug 20th. Visitors will be treated to live music, vendors, and food trucks as they enjoy the yellow blossoms.

“Through our agro-tourism in the sunflower festival we’re able to bring people to the property and they can really experience what’s going on and see where their cooking oil comes from,” explained Pollock.

As urban farming has gained popularity in the last decade, the integration of crops and livestock into urban spaces has increased, sparking a renewed interest in supporting local farms and embracing sustainable farming practices.

At the same time, commercialization and urban development are taking over the green spaces in many cities. But Concord is determined to protect it.

“I think what you are seeing here is not only the commitment to agriculture, but it’s also looking at agriculture in a different way,” Concord Mayor Jim Bouley.

Amber Brouillette, Pollock’s fiancée, said growing flowers provides an emotional connection to the land. The duo plan to offer fine dining experiences in the sunflower fields and even grow lavender in the future.

“I think it’s really rewarding when your crop blooms like that and then for people to come and enjoy that and seeing all the smiling faces,” said Pollock. “It’s just really rewarding.”

If You Go

What: Concord’s Sunflower Festival runs through Aug. 20. It features live music daily as well as food trucks and local vendors on the weekend.

Hours: Weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost: The entry fee is $10 per adult and $2 per stem of pick-your-own flowers. Children under 10 are free.

Parking: Handicapped and bicycle parking is available at 6 Loudon Road. Other parking is available at the U.S. Post Office at 18 Loudon Road with overflow parking at NHTI at 31 College Dr.

Online: For more information go to www.sunfoxfarm.org 

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