Every Father’s Day Weekend, the quaint, tranquil Willow Pond Farm in charming Fairfield, Pennsylvania, is a gathering place for thousands of visitors from throughout the Mid-Atlantic, with a small purple flower as the guest of honor.

The Pennsylvania Lavender Festival - the only of its kind in this part of the United States - highlights the smell, flavor, emotion and enjoyment of lavender, a specialty at Willow Pond Farm. In 2012, the festival runs June 15-17.  Throughout the three days, visitors will pick lavender, make crafts, shop for a variety of herbs and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the historic farm.

Over the past 10 years, Willow Pond Farm owners Tom and Madeline Wajda have invited tens of thousands to explore their senses through lavender. The festival features 75 varieties of lavender, three of which are exclusive to the farm.

“It’s truly a sensory delight,” said Tom Wajda. “Every year, we see hundreds of new faces among the visitors who come every year to get their fill of lavender. People seem to really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our festival and the chance to see, smell and taste a truly special flower.”

The event includes culinary demonstrations, pick-your-own lavender, garden tours, great food and music. Presentations this year include talks by nationally renowned botanists and authors. This year’s festival also includes a lavender cooking contest.

Willow Pond Farm is located just outside Historic Gettysburg, in Southcentral Pennsylvania. The farm is certified organic and includes three acres of lavenders in addition to dozens of other herb varieties. For more information visit www.palavenderfestival.com.