Sierra Madre, our quaint neighbor to the east, is home to a world-renowned wistaria vine that draws visitors from all over the world.
To honor this famous floral resident, the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce organizes the Wistaria Festival, a free downtown arts and crafts fair featuring 175 vendors selling hand-crafted items, food, and children’s activities. The festival is set to take place on Sunday, March 19 from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and a number of craft booths featuring handmade belts, stylish ceramics, and lots more.
The festival is a lively affair that promises to be fun for visitors of all ages.
Spanning two private backyards, this incredible one-acre stretch of space is occupied by the wistaria vine, which has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as “the largest blossoming plant in the world.” The vine, also known as the “Lavender Lady,” produces more than a million purple blossoms each spring, making it one of the seven horticultural wonders of the world.
In addition to the festival, visitors can take a shuttle tour of 30 historic locations throughout the city, which includes a guided tour of the historic vine and highlights of historic Sierra Madre. Shuttle tickets are available for purchase at a cost of $12.50-$15. The shuttle tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about the town’s history and see the vine up close.
While the vine is undoubtedly the star attraction, Sierra Madre offers much more to explore. The town’s charming center is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Visitors can also take a stroll through the town’s beautiful parks and nature reserves, including the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Angeles National Forest.
The history of the vine is quite intriguing. It was originally brought from China as a small seed and planted by two homeowners in 1894 to celebrate their new house. The plant eventually grew so large that it destroyed the home it was planted to honor. Despite this, the vine continued to grow and flourish, becoming an iconic attraction in Sierra Madre. The vine has been carefully maintained over the years, with regular pruning and support structures to prevent it from causing further damage to nearby homes.
Sierra Madre’s Wistaria Festival is a celebration of not just the iconic vine, but the town’s rich history and culture as well. The festival showcases the best of what Sierra Madre has to offer, from its vibrant arts scene to its delicious local cuisine.
