The sunflower is a symbol of sunshine, cheerfulness and warmth. It also represents hope and abundance. And sunflowers are in abundance at Yenser’s Tree Farm, Route 902, in the Mahoning Valley. That’s where the third annual Sunflower Festival is being held. It was held last weekend and will be open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Jan Wentz, one of the owners, told us what we can expect.

“We have lots of sunflowers for you to pick your own, we have a sunflower maze with lots of photo props within it, we have kids activities in the Farm Fun Zone, we have a Reindeer Train, and an air cannon. Our gift shop is open, we have food trucks, and lots of crafters.”

In the Farm Fun Zone, children 15 and under will enjoy a giant bounce pad, a giant bubble station, a tire mountain, and an obstacle course with a zip line.

They also have wagon rides to take you from the upper farm to the lower field where the sunflower maze is located.

Yenser’s has been in business since 1971, growing evergreen trees, pumpkins and sunflowers.

This is the festival’s third year, and it keeps getting bigger.

“We get more people each year,” Wentz said, “so we plant more flowers and plan more activities.”

Admission is free if you just want to get some food, enjoy the sunflowers and look at the breathtaking view of the Mahoning Valley. There are fees if you want to take part in the activities.

They will be open this weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Visit www.yenserstreefarm.com for more information.