The brightest blooms from Miracle Max's Minions are expected in the next two weeks before the end of July.
Five fields of sunflowers are growing across Lambton County for the project this year, the third annual, held in memory of two-year-old Max Rombouts who lost his battle with leukemia in 2019.
Organizer Brian Schoonjans said they "just plant the seeds and let Max and the good lord take it from there."
"This year we have a couple extra fields," said Schoonjans. "We have our original spot that started here on my farm at 5023 Douglas Line."
Stonepicker Brewing Company at 7143 Forest Road has a field and is also donating the proceeds from a craft beer made using the sunflower seeds.
"Max's parents came up with the name 'Smile Ale', which is an acronym that stands for 'see miracles in life everyday.'"
An aerial shot of the 8 acre field on my farm at 5023 Douglas Line showing the Miracle Max and cancer ribbon walking trails (Photo courtesy of Brian Schoonjans)
Doug and Tracy Rogers have grown a sunflower field along Highway 21 at Kettle Point, John and Jill Van Loon planted a new field at 8727 Confederation Line near Watford and Sipkens Nurseries, on London Line, will have a sunflower field in bloom all summer.
"In their front field, they're going to have three different bloom dates. Their first planting is in bloom now and they should have blooms for most of the summer for people to visit, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m."
You can visit the other fields from dawn until dusk when they're in bloom.
Schoonjans said Max was a special little boy and this project ensures his name is remembered.
"I had in my head the first year that if we made $10,000 we'd be doing something really cool and we're now over $210,000 raised. We will be far over $250,000 raised by the end of the season, I'm sure."
All of the donations are directed to charities that supported the Rombouts family when Max was in hospital, including Childcan and Ronald McDonald House.
Secured donation boxes are placed at each sunflower site, but Schoonjans said etransfer donations are preferred and can be sent to miraclemaxsminions@gmail.com
More details are posted to the Miracle Max's Minions Facebook page.