I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Spring. Is. Here. And, WE are here for it!
One of the very best weekends all year long on Nantucket is our annual Daffodil Festival. Every April, bright yellow buds cheerfully pop across the island where locals and visitors alike say goodbye to the fading frost of chilled winter months, and greet this special weekend ready to celebrate its storied traditions and the beauty of Spring flowering across the island.
Locals lovingly refer to the weekend as “Daffy” and the Island’s Chamber of Commerce hosts the multi-day festival each year.
This year’s festivities will take place from April 27– April 30, and these days are not to be missed! Even though some of us could honestly spend the entire weekend admiring the convivial outfits worn by festival-goers, there are a myriad of activities occurring throughout Daffodil Festival from a famous antique car parade, lectures, art shows, a children’s parade, window decorating contests, a ‘Flower Power Party’ and more!
The weekend kicks off with a flower crown party and glides into an unforgettable antique car parade. The parade launches in town featuring vintage cars and motorcycles and concludes at the East End of the Island in the village of ‘Sconset. Hundreds will gather to cheer for each uniquely decorated vehicle that passes by. After the parade is finished, guests will continue to stroll and explore head-turning tailgates – many of which are decked out in fresh daffodils, brightly painted signs and colorful fabrics. These pop-up tailgate ‘parties’ range from simple sandwich picnics to elaborate feasts of local oysters and champagne toasts. There are always generous tailgate hosts sharing their culinary delights with locals, neighbors and new friends. Everyone on the island is encouraged to get into the spirit, but few need much encouragement!
This year, H&D is especially excited to design another signature tailgate party at Daffy and celebrate a few new beginnings of our own! Our weddings and events season is ramping up and we are launching our brand new website this month – Handy & Dallaire Events.
We are also excited to reveal the expansion of our design showroom and studio and our partnership with The Event Rental Co.
A few of our favorite tailgate over the years hosted by Handy & Dallaire Events below:
H&D’s Top Tailgate Tips:
Yellow is YOUR color
At least for the weekend. Dress in yellow, even if it’s just a pop of yellow on a scarf or hat. Make sure you wear stylish but comfortable shoes to walk along and discover the many different tailgate designs. If you are looking for that perfect Daffodil print or vintage find – check out one of our favorite shops in town, Current Vintage. Owner Elisabeth English has a trained eye and always stocks the most fashionable festival attire. She also sells the best picnic basket essentials TO-GO so you can tailgate like a pro. *We might be just slightly obsessed with the truffle chips and her Montrachet selection.
Pick A Theme
H&D designs are typically elevated and classic. When it comes to Daffy, we stay true to that theme and pull out our oversized sterling champagne buckets, create fresh-cut daffodil arrangements with buds sourced at Flowers on Chestnut and of course, no timeless tailgate is complete without monogrammed napkins and fun table candy. Add a few candelabras to light up your display and add depth and height and you’ll have a show-stopper.
BYOG
At Daffy, tailgating doesn’t mean you have to set up a tailgate party at all. There are plenty of tailgate stops to enjoy in ‘Sconset. But if you do decide to stroll the tables as a guest not a host, we recommend bringing your own wine glass to drink in style as you taste the many delicious offerings along the way.
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Don’t forget to layer up and bring a spare umbrella. Our tailgates won’t stop for a drizzle or a rainstorm! If the daffodils can withstand the weather, so can you!
Island Hop
It’s estimated that there are about 2 million daffodils now blooming on Nantucket. Explore the different parts of the island on foot, bike or car – and enjoy the splashes of gold and yellow everywhere.
Pro Tip From Nigel
Don’t forget to visit the annual Daffy Dog Parade where attendees dress their dogs daffy-style for the chance to win fun prizes.
As you wrap up the festival, try not to miss Sankaty Head Lighthouse while on the island. There is a great bike path from ‘Sconset you can take and the lighthouse is also a short ride from town. Also, the Bartlett’s Farm Daffodil Show by Nantucket Garden Club (which is recognized by the American Daffodil society!) is a must-see. Head to Cisco for a few signature cocktails to round out your weekend in good fun.
Handy & Dallaire events are thrilled to be participating at Daffy again this year to design and host a tailgate – we hope to see you there and will have a chilled drink waiting for you!
Photos by: Zofia & Co. Photography
