CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Lesher Poultry Farm’s sunflower fields are reaching peak bloom, inviting visitors to stroll through acres of late-summer color, cut flowers and take photographs from dawn to dusk.
The fields at 1187 Marion Road are expected to be at their brightest during Labor Day weekend after recent hot weather encouraged blooms to open earlier than anticipated, according to the farm’s latest update.
The family-owned farm began planting sunflowers in 2011 as an experiment on 10 acres. The display has since grown to more than 200 acres, creating a popular seasonal destination for visitors from Franklin County and beyond.
Admission is free, though donations are welcome. Visitors may cut sunflowers for $1 per stem. Clippers will be available, although the farm asks guests to bring their own if possible during busy periods.
The fields are open daily from dawn to dusk. The farm shed, which offers handmade merchandise and sunflower-themed items, is generally open Monday through Saturday from about 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The farm also plans to offer handmade goods and baked items Sept. 5-7.
Pets are welcome but must remain on leashes, and owners are asked to clean up after them. Visitors holding paid photography sessions are asked to place $5 per client in the farm’s donation boxes. The farm also asks photographers to keep sessions family-friendly and remove all props and equipment after use.
Farm officials are asking visitors to park only in designated areas and to be considerate of nearby private residences. Parking along the road is discouraged because it can create unsafe conditions for visitors and drivers.
The sunflower fields have become an annual late-summer attraction, offering families, photographers and flower lovers an opportunity to enjoy the seasonal display at their own pace. For current field information, the farm directs visitors to its Sunflower Watch Lesher Poultry Farm social media pages.
