Tulip Time Festival facts for kids
- For the 2008 documentary film, see Tulip Time: The Rise and Fall of the Trio Lescano
The Tulip Time Festival is a fun yearly event that takes place in Holland, Michigan. Many cities across the United States that were started by or have many Dutch families living there hold similar tulip festivals. This festival has been held every year since 1929, except for 2020. It usually happens in mid-May and is currently the biggest tulip festival in the country. The festival runs from the first Saturday in May until the second Sunday.
During the celebration, you can enjoy many exciting activities. There are three parades, dazzling fireworks, and a special Dutch Market. You can also watch various shows and concerts, explore a craft fair, and see traditional klompen (wooden shoe) dancing. A unique event is the street scrubbing, where people clean the streets in Dutch costumes! The city of Holland is filled with thousands of beautiful tulips, lining the streets and growing in special gardens. This festival has been called America's third-largest town festival and was even named the best small town festival by Reader's Digest.
What is the History of the Tulip Time Festival?
The idea for the Tulip Time Festival began in 1927 as a project to make the community more beautiful. Lida Rogers, a biology teacher at Holland High School, suggested that Holland should choose the tulip as its flower. This was because the city had strong connections to The Netherlands.
In 1928, the City Council agreed to spend money to buy 100,000 tulip bulbs from the Netherlands. These bulbs were then planted in the city's parks. The next year, in 1929, the city invited visitors to come during the week of May 15th. This visit was so successful that it led to the festival becoming an annual event. During World War II, the Tulip Time Festival was made much smaller. It returned as a full four-day festival in 1946.
The 1947 festival celebrated Holland, Michigan's 100th birthday. A new tradition started that year when Michigan's governor, Kim Sigler, wore a Dutch costume and joined in the fun. In 1976, when America celebrated its 200th birthday, the Tulip Time Festival was honored by a visit from President Gerald R. Ford. He was from Michigan and had previously represented nearby Grand Rapids in the United States Congress.
In 1991, the Tulip Time Festival grew from four days to ten days. In 2001, the festival was shortened to eight days. It was also moved up a week to happen at the best time when the tulips were fully blooming. A fun carnival was added to the festival in 2003.
In 2008, the outdoor concert series, which was renamed Tulipalooza, moved to a new stage at 6th Street and College Avenue.
The 2020 festival was canceled for the very first time due to the COVID-19 health crisis. It returned in 2021, but it was held virtually online.
Who Has Performed at Tulip Time?
The Tulip Time Festival has welcomed many famous artists and public figures to perform or make appearances.
- In 1977, the famous singer Johnny Cash performed.
- In 2000, pop star Christina Aguilera gave a concert.
- In 2001, the boy band O-Town performed.
- In 2006, there were performances by Frankie Avalon, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jars of Clay, and AG Silver.
- In 2007, Bruce Hornsby hosted an event.
- In 2008, the entertainment included Jonny Lang, Tony Orlando, and Ronnie Milsap.
- In 2009, the festival featured Jan Mulder, 1964 The Tribute, Bobby Vinton, and The Oak Ridge Boys.
- In 2010, you could see The Coasters, Drifters, and Platters. Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (singer) also performed.
- In 2014, comedian Bill Cosby hosted an event.
How is the Tulip Time Festival Rated?
The Tulip Time Festival has received high praise over the years.
- In 2004, Reader's Digest magazine named the festival the best small town festival in the USA.
- In 2016, USA Today ranked it as the #1 Flower Festival.
