HOLLAND, Michigan — A warm early spring drew all eyes to Tulip Time, fearing the flowers would blossom too early for the thousands of incoming visitors to enjoy. But organizers have good news.
Millions of people have gathered for the nearly two-week Dutch festival over the years, putting the storybook-like city of Holland on full display. This year marks their 95th festival.
When temperatures remained unusually high through March and April, the six million bulbs in Holland began to sprout too quickly.
“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 in an interview with 13 ON YOUR SIDE in March.
Organizers now say the tulips are back on track for opening weekend. It was the colder nights that saved the day.
"The tulips are at PEAK bloom right now showing as much color as they'll get through the spring. Thankfully, the cooler temperatures at night will give the tulips a long life and we should continue to see the tulips at this level through the beginning of the festival," said an official in a Facebook post.
While the hard rains and heavy winds from last weekend did knock out a small number of beds, there are still plenty of flowers to enjoy, they continue.
You can find the most tulips at Centennial Park, Window on the Waterfront, Windmill Island and of course, the Tulip Immersion Garden throughout the festival.
13 ON YOUR SIDE has a full guide to the festival, including the schedule, parking, food, shopping and more on our website here.
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