95th annual Tulip Time Festival returns Saturday

Elena Cousino
·2 min read

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — The 95th annual Tulip Time Festival starts Saturday. Organizers expect more than 500,000 people to visit the city during the festival.

Tens of thousands of tulips will be in bloom throughout the city. At the Beechwood Church, you’ll be able to see the immersion garden designed by Ibo Gulsen. He said they have been preparing to ensure the tulips bloom at exactly the right moment. This year’s theme is the history of the tulip and Tulip Time.

Throughout the festival, you will also be able to take guided walking tours and learn about the city’s history, the preparations for the tulips and the festival itself.

The festival will kick off Saturday with the Tulip Time Run in Kollen Park. It starts at 8 a.m. with a 5K and 10K walk and run. Registration is still open.

The festival also has a carnival and dance performances. Gwen Auwerda, the festival’s executive director, said Tulip Time is a great way to show off the city and support the local businesses.

“It brings in 48 million dollars of new money into the community, and that’s not in our pocket. But it’s in the pocket of restaurants, hotels, the stores. Many stores say after a slower winter this is a great boost that they need to get into the summer months, so it does have a huge benefit to our community,” Auwerda said.

She also said they are excited to have so many people in Holland this weekend and upcoming week. One of their biggest events is the Gentex Kinderparade, which is on Thursday. With the large number of people heading to the city, Auwerda said construction could cause some problems for visitors.

“It’s going to be a mess, so I just hate to say that upfront, but just be patient, come and enjoy the day and then head out and just be patient and gracious with the people who are driving,” Auwerda said.

Will I-196 Business Loop construction affect Tulip Time?

There will be ongoing construction on the I-196 business loop between Holland and Zeeland, which could cause some delays. Auwerda said they have maps online and will have them in person to help people navigate around the traffic.

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