On October 16, 2024, Candlelight Floral‘s owner Lesa Fenwick and her team took to Panoway Plaza, joining a global movement to spread joy through flowers as part of the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) annual “Petal It Forward” campaign. Armed with vibrant bouquets, Fenwick and her staff handed out two bunches to random passersby – one to keep and one to gift to another, keeping the chain of kindness alive.
“The Society of American Florists started the movement in 2015 as a way to show the impact of giving flowers by random acts of kindness,” said Fenwick. “Studies show that more people get more joy in giving flowers than receiving flowers. So every October, florists all around the world hit their main streets to give away two bouquets to random passersby: one for you to keep and one for you to Petal it Forward to brighten someone else’s day!“
The local florist has been participating since SAF’s initiative began and, in recent years, has put a personal spin on it. Fenwick shared that she has been hosting her own version of the event in Wayzata for the last four or five years, partnering with her main wholesaler, Len Busch Roses of Plymouth.
“I do it because it makes so many people feel good, and that makes ME feel good!” Fenwick remarked with a smile. “We had lots of misty eyes yesterday.“
The event was an uplifting scene, with residents and visitors of Wayzata taking part in the spontaneous generosity, passing on their extra bouquets to friends, family, or even strangers.
Petal It Forward serves as a reminder of how small, thoughtful gestures can make a big impact, brightening the day of both givers and receivers alike. Fenwick and her team at Candlelight Floral certainly made sure Wayzata was blooming with kindness this October.
Candlelight Florist, Gifts & Flower Delivery
850 Lake St E, Wayzata, MN 55391
(952) 473-2564
