46th Annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival

Photos by Bill Hoenk

The 46th annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival took place April 22 to 24, 2022, and after two years of pandemic cancellations, the celebration felt more festive than ever before. As usual, Nantucket About Town was on the scene to capture the weekend’s best moments. Sit back and enjoy the following photos of the Chamber of Commerce’s Flower Crown Party, the Nantucket Historical Association’s Flower Power Party, and, of course, the antique car parade and tailgate picnic—all taken by the award-winning photographer Bill Hoenk.

Flower Crown Party

The festivities began Thursday night with the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce’s Flower Crown Party at Nantucket Dreamland. Daffy-goers looking for a final floral accessory to complete their festival outfits turned up for a relaxing evening of crafting and socializing. Silk daffodils, florals, greens, and other materials were provided to create a lush flower crown that could be worn during the weekend’s festivities.

Antique Car Parade & Tailgate Picnic

Saturday’s procession began downtown at 9 am, where an array of beautifully bedecked vintage cars, trucks, convertibles, fire engines, dune buggies, and motorcycles lined up along Main Street. Hundreds of people were in attendance, maneuvering between cars and voting on their favorites to win the “People’s Choice” award.

At noon, the cars started their engines and began the long trek to ‘Sconset, where a crowd of spectators anxiously awaited their arrival. When the cars parked, picnic crews could be seen scrambling to get all their elements in order for the Chamber of Commerce’s judging committee. The ribbon for top tailgate is a coveted prize among Daffy contestants, and many go the extra mile to make sure their presentation grabs the judges’ attention. Every detail is considered, from the food selections to the drinking vessels to the choice of music.

It was an altogether incredible display, and the general euphoria among the contestants and spectators was only heightened by the beautiful spring weather. The sun was out, the birds were chirping, it was warm, and there was a slight ocean breeze, and Daffy-goers, sprawled on picnic blankets and beach chairs on the lush lawns leading into the village, were soaking it all in.

Flower Power Party

The Nantucket Historical Association held its fourth-ever Flower Power Party, sponsored by N Magazine and the Chamber of Commerce. Around 300 guests gathered in the Whaling Museum—what better place is there to kick off Daffodil Weekend?—which the NHA transformed into a festive and elaborately decorated celebration of spring. Nantucket history was all around, and those who needed a break from the singing and dancing were free to browse the museum’s exhibitions and galleries, including the new Island People exhibition in the Williams Forsyth Gallery.