HOLLAND, Michigan — One of West Michigan’s largest festivals has been bringing Michiganders together for nearly a century.
Just months away, leaders at Tulip Time said that despite weather concerns, they have a full nine-day schedule prepared for the festival.
This year will be Tulip Time’s 95th anniversary.
“We really just have to deal with mother nature and when the tulips bloom because the festival itself is going to happen regardless,” said Executive Director Gwen Auwerda.
With changing weather conditions, the organization has gotten creative by hosting indoor events.
“Because we can't control it we look for things that are indoor events and outdoor events, the Immersion Garden is a way for guaranteed flowers,” Auwerda said. "We have a little bit of everything because we get a little bit of every kind of weather during the festival, so depending upon what the weather does that day there's lots of things for people to pick from.”
Under ideal conditions, the tulips don’t start to bloom until late April or early May.
The flowers are something many look forward to seeing every year.
“Tulips are a form of friendship I feel and it brings people together over beauty especially after a winter that typically is much colder than what we've seen,” Auwerda said. "People are ready to get outside, enjoy the weather and see the beauty of spring and that's what tulips represent to us as a form of friendship.”
Organizers have grown accustomed to planning events with the weather in mind, so visitors don't have to worry.
“We always hope that we're going to have flowers of the week the festival and we typically do but we get nervous every year when we have a couple 70-degree days,” Auwerda said. "The cool weather at night is very helpful for us and we’ll have a better idea of a prediction of blooms. Once we get to early April, then it's a little easier to predict when we look ahead at 10-day forecasts.”
The festival kicks off May 4 and runs through May 12.
For the full schedule of events, to purchase tickets or to donate to the organization, visit the website here.
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