With spring on the horizon, Blakemore’s Flowers and Mary McMahan are hosting Build A Bouquet Flower Walk on March 21 to welcome the blooming new season to Harrisonburg.
“Five years ago, I came up with the idea for the flower walk with the Friendly City Merchants, a group of downtown retailers,” McMahan, the Director of Brand, Marketing & Operations at withSimplicity, said. “Since then, I’ve continued putting on the event each year when possible.”
Originally, the Flower Walk was hosted during Valentine’s as a “Galentine’s Day celebration.” Abby Chick, the founder of Blakemore’s Flowers, said that revamping the Walk for springtime allowed for better flowers and weather.
“Anytime that you do one of these walking tours, it gives people an opportunity to see all of the hidden gems and special stores that we have downtown,” Chick said. “When there’s an event that brings all of downtown Harrisonburg together like this, it’s just really fun.”
Participants of the Flower Walk will check in at Blakemore’s Flowers in the Liberty Street Mercantile to collect their flower vase. Then, guided by a map, they can travel to 11 other Harrisonburg businesses to shop and collect blooms provided by Blakemore’s Flowers, creating their own personal bouquet.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased on Blakemore’s Flowers website, or in person at the shop.
“I just love seeing people walk around downtown with flowers,” McMahan said. “Flowers bring so much joy, which I think everyone needs after a cold, dark winter.”
Chick said that Blakemore’s Flowers has partnered with a handful of local Harrisonburg farmers to emphasize the community feel of the event.
“The varieties of flowers that we are going to have available are unlike any other blooms we’re able to get at other times of the year,” Chick said. “I think people will be really excited to see that.”
Chick said that the flower vase is equipped with a grid-top to help with floral arranging and flower food to keep the blooms strong and healthy.
“The best way to build your bouquet would be to go in order of the tour stops,” Chick said. “There’s a special floral ingredient at each store, and you just pop it in your vase. It’s very easy and fun.”
The stops on the Flower Walk are Blakemore’s Flowers, withSimplicity, Aristocrat Cafe, Horizon Gifts, Asdelia Mae Boutique, Living Room Collective, OASIS Fine Art and Craft, Sage Bird, The Lady Jane Shop, Lineage Goods, and BMC Bakes.
“Every year, I’m told by participants that they discovered a new-to-them business that they look forward to exploring,” McMahan said.
Chick said that when a participant purchases a ticket for the Flower Walk, they are also given a $10 credit towards a floral class at Blakemore’s Flowers, which, around Harrisonburg, is known for their high quality and long-lasting blooms.
“When we get a call from people saying our flowers lasted two weeks longer than others that they’ve gotten, it makes me really proud,” Chick said. “I know it’s because of the care we’ve taken, and I’m really excited to offer some local flowers this time around.”
The Flower Walk offers Harrisonburg the opportunity to connect with local business owners in a unique way.
“Everyone knows we have a vibrant culinary district, but I think a lot of people aren’t aware of all the shopping options available,” McMahan said. “I think it’s a great event to bring awareness to all the unique retailers in the downtown community.”
