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Autaugaville's sunflower field rises right on time

Marty Roney
Montgomery Advertiser

AUTAUGAVILLE — It's open.

The sunflower field in Autaugaville opened Friday, right on time for the long Independence Day weekend. Todd and Kim Sheridan first planted the field, just off Highway 14, in 2016 as a cash crop for the family farm. So many people stopped by to take in the field's beauty that it's become a go-to event, bringing in visitors from throughout the region, and even from states as far away as Kentucky and Indiana.

Kim calls the field and its following "a blessing."

Now the visitors have taken a back seat to the crop. On opening morning Friday, Kim recognized several regular visitors, making another return trip.

"I remember some names, but a lot more faces," she said with a laugh.

One woman from West Point, Mississippi, said she will return the next two Fridays.

"It's so enjoyable," she said, before heading out to the rows of head-high flowers.

About 33 acres, and 800,000 seeds, were planted. Half of the field is in prime bloom now, with the other half expected to bloom in about two weeks. That takes flower season until about the end of July.

The Sunflower Field in Autaugaville, Ala., on Friday, July 1, 2022.

"We never really know when it'll be over," Todd said. "It depends on the weather, and how long it takes the flowers to mature. But there will be blooms usually until late July.

The best way to stay informed about hours and crowds is the field's Facebook page. That's important because a side trip for beach traffic on Interstate 65 has become common. (It's about a half-hour trip from the interstate.)

The field is about 5 miles west of Autaugaville. If you are so inclined, punch 3301 Highway 14 West into your device. Then follow the signs to the parking area, on County Road 33, just off the main drag.

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Bees pollinate the flowers at The Sunflower Field in Autaugaville, Ala., on Friday, July 1, 2022.

If you go

There is no admission to look around. Professional photographers pay $20 a session. Flowers can be purchased for $1 each or $10 gets you a bucket that you can fill with 14 cut flowers. You get to take the bucket home. Refreshments, T-shirts, cookies and watermelon and cantaloupe, also from the farm, are for sale at the entry gate.

Oh, and bring cash, since Internet service this far out in the boondocks is iffy.

The field is open daily from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Early morning viewing is best, before it gets too hot. Pets are not allowed.

Something new this year is a buggy ride. For $5 per person, you can take a trip around the flowers, giving you a buggy-eye view of the expanse of golden blooms.

"We thought the wagon ride will give people to chance to see the flowers from a different perspective," Todd said. "We think it's going to be popular."

Images of the field flood social media, and the farm has been the subject of magazine articles and news reports.

"It's really grown into a happening," Kim said. "It's a lot of work; we just roll with it. We love meeting everyone. 

"People leave here with big smiles on their faces. We could all use more smiles."

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.