Thistleberry Farm's sunflower field will not open due to drought

 

The long stretch of dry weather across Michiana is having an impact on a local favorite photo spot.

The sunflower field at Thistleberry Farm will not be open to the public this year.

"We kept praying for rain, and we weren't getting any, and we kind of hoped, obviously, that we would get some more," explained co-owner of Thistleberry Farm Dave Frushour.

The field that usually serves as an amazing backdrop for photos is a shell of its former self.

Staff of Thistleberry Farm wrote a Facebook post Sunday about the disappointing decision not to open, saying in part quote “We are so sorry. We wish there was a way to save them.”

"We've put a lot of money and sweat and tears into the field," Frushour said, "and so to just to decide when it's not going to open it, it was really hard to do."

Frushour calculated the sunflower field closure will mean a loss of thousands of dollars in seed, fertilizer, and labor. That's also not considering the people who will take their business elsewhere.

"It's hard to really quantify how much, how many people would have come out," Frushour said.

But patrons of Thistleberry Farm are showing their support, saying they’ll be back for sunflower photos next year, or planning to enjoy other attractions the fall fun spot has to offer.

"A lot of people said they'll come out for the corn maze and the pumpkin patch, which we really appreciate, Frushour said.

Staff at Thistleberry Farm will keep the flowers in the field for as long as possible. This is so bees and butterflies can use them.

That way, Frushour says, something good comes out of a tough situation.

All other attractions at Thistleberry Farm are scheduled to be open this season. To find out more information, Visit.