Sunflowers Coming Soon

May 21, 2025•3 min read

Sunflowers Coming To The Riverbend

Are you ready to bask in the glow of golden petals in Alton?

That's right, folks – something incredibly bright and cheerful is coming our way, and it's bound to turn heads and lift spirits.

Picture this: a stunning field of sunflowers, swaying gently in the Riverbend breeze. It's not just a dream; it's becoming a reality, thanks to a fantastic collaboration between local organizations.

Old Bakery Beer, Sierra Club, Theodora Farms, the City of Alton, and Pride Beautification have pooled their resources and enthusiasm to transform a once-empty lot into a vibrant canvas of nature.

The spot, located at the corner of 5th and Piasa Streets, has been vacant since the Lenhardt Tool & Die building was demolished. But now, it's set to host a sea of sunflowers that will add a splash of joy to our community.

These groups didn't just jump into the project. They did their homework, checking the soil and the lot's overall condition to ensure it was ready for this botanical makeover.

With some expert advice, Old Bakery Beer and Sierra Club confirmed that the ground was ripe for planting without needing extended remediation. Then, with the support of Greg Caffey, Alton's building and zoning head, and the town council's approval, the plan was set into motion.

Theodora Farms preparing sunflower field

Theodora Farms, even amidst their busiest season, has stepped up to prep the lot and oversee the planting process. It's community spirit like this that makes Alton such a remarkable place to live.

But why sunflowers, you may ask? Well, they're not just a feast for the eyes. These towering beauties do wonders for the soil, breaking up compaction and enriching it. Plus, they're a haven for pollinators, which means our local ecosystem will be buzzing with life. Talk about a triple threat of beauty, environmental stewardship, and community pride!

We're inviting you to join in on this sunflower saga. Follow us on Facebook for all the latest updates, and if Mother Nature plays nice, we might call on you, the volunteers, to help sow the seeds of change. If the weather turns fickle, Theodora Farms will handle the seeding solo, but we're holding out hope for a community planting day.

Keep your eyes peeled for volunteer opportunities. The chance to dig in and plant these sunny blooms could be just around the corner. And even if you can't be there to plant, you'll certainly be able to enjoy the fruits – or rather, flowers – of this labor.

Alton is on the verge of getting a little brighter, and it's all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our local heroes. Sunflowers are coming to town, and with them, a wave of Pride and Beautification that will make our slice of Riverbend truly shine. Stay tuned, and get ready to welcome a new landmark that will make every day feel like the sunniest of summer days.

WBGZ 107.1 FM 🔈 Let's Talk interview...