The Wistaria Vine in 2007, click to enlarge (NewsNet file photo)
Posted 12/12/11 – The Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce announced today that tickets to ride the shuttle to view the 118-year old Wistaria Vine, designated by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest blossoming plant, are now available for purchase online.
The vine, which is on private property, is located in the north section of town, a steep uphill walk from downtown Sierra Madre, where the Wistaria Festival is held each year. Nearly two hundred arts, craft and food vendors set up shop downtown one day a year when the property owners open up their yards to allow people to enter and view the amazing plant. Viewing the vine is free, however, those who want to avoid the strenuous hike to the property can catch a shuttle downtown from the festival and ride round trip.
Cost of the shuttle tickets is $10 for adults, with seniors 62 and up and children 5 – 16 years receiving a discounted rate of $7/ticket. Children under 5 ride free. This year, for the first time, the Chamber is offering a Family 4-pack that includes two adults and two children tickets for a further discount of $30 for the package. There is also a Festival 6-pack option, with six adult tickets for the price of five, or $50.
“We’re very pleased to be able to make the tickets available this early, as they make great Christmas presents, especially if you’re running out of time,” said Bill Coburn, executive director of the Chamber. “Since the tickets are printed on your home or office printer, you can order and print your tickets in a matter of minutes, which allows you to quickly get a last minute present as you head off to the office Christmas party. They are also a great inexpensive option for Secret Santa gift giving.”
The 2012 Wistaria Festival will take place on Sunday, March 25, 2012. To purchase your tickets online, visit www.WistariaTickets.com. For more information on the festival, visit www.WistariaFestival.com.