Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan with Gwen Auwerda

Because spring time is here!

by Cliff Duvernois

Tulip Time Festival with Gwen Auwerda

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Trailer:

Show Notes:

Tulip Time Festival is here! And what better way to celebrate spring than to dance in wooden shoes and eat Dutch food! The Tulip Time Festival is at it’s 94th appearance and it has been flagged as one of the top events in all the United States. The people of Holland, Michigan really embraced their heritage to create a unique experience for all those who attend. To guide us on this adventure is Gwen Auwerda, the executive director of the Tulip Time Festival.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • How the festival got started
  • What you can expect
  • Some upcoming events for you to see!

Links:

Tulip Time Festival Website: https://www.tuliptime.com/

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Links:

Tulip Time Website

Tulip Time Festival is a beloved annual event that takes place in Holland, Michigan, attracting visitors from all over the world. This festival celebrates the beauty of tulips, the Dutch heritage of the region, and the coming of spring. For over 90 years, the Festival has been a significant event in Michigan, and it continues to be a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

History of the Tulip Time Festival:

The Tulip Time Festival started in 1929 as a small event to celebrate the beautiful tulips that bloom in Holland, Michigan, every spring. It was the brainchild of Lida Rogers, a local schoolteacher, who wanted to showcase the region’s Dutch heritage and the stunning beauty of the tulips. The festival started with a parade and a few street vendors, but it quickly grew in popularity and scale. Today, the festival attracts more than 500,000 visitors every year and is recognized as one of the top festivals in the country.

What To Expect at the Tulip Time Festival:

The Tulip Time Festival is a week-long event that takes place every May. During this time, the streets of Holland, Michigan, are adorned with more than 5 million tulips, creating a beautiful and colorful spectacle. The festival features a variety of activities and events that cater to people of all ages and interests. Here are some things people can expect:

  1. Parades: The parades take place every day of the event. It feature marching bands, floats, and dancers dressed in traditional Dutch attire. The highlight of the parades is the Klompen Dance, where dancers perform traditional Dutch wooden-shoe dances.
  2. Dutch Dancers: Visitors can watch the Dutch Dancers perform traditional dances, including the Klompen Dance, in various locations around the city.
  3. Art and Craft Fair: The festival features an Art and Craft Fair, where visitors can browse and purchase handmade items from local artisans. The fair showcases a wide range of products, including jewelry, pottery, and paintings.
  4. Tulip City Tours: Visitors can take a Tulip City Tour, which takes them around the city to see the beautiful tulips and learn about the city’s history and Dutch heritage.
  5. Dutch food: What a great opportunity to try traditional Dutch food! Visitors can sample Dutch treats such as stroopwafels, poffertjes, and Dutch sausage.

Summary:

The Tulip Time Festival is a celebration of spring, Dutch heritage, and the beauty of tulips. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and is recognized as one of the top festivals in the country. The festival features a variety of events and activities, including parades, Dutch dancing, an Art and Craft Fair, and Tulip City Tours. Visitors can also sample traditional Dutch food and enjoy the beauty of more than 5 million tulips that adorn the streets of Holland, Michigan. This festival is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves tulips, Dutch culture, and springtime festivities.

In conclusion, this an event that captures the essence of springtime and Dutch heritage. This festival is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of tulips and learn about Dutch culture. With its parades, Dutch dancing, Art and Craft Fair, Tulip City Tours, and Dutch food, there is something for everyone. So, pack your bags, head to Holland, Michigan, and join in the festivities of the Tulip Time Festival.