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by Madelyn Miller

When the snow melts and warmer temperatures come to Iowa, one of the first signs of spring is tulips. As the green leaves and colorful flowers begin to dominate the landscape, yearly events are held to remind everyone, including Iowans, of the Dutch history and culture that are a part of Iowa.

PELLA TULIP TIME FESTIVAL

Are you looking for a "touch of Holland?" If so, you will not want to miss the Pella Tulip Time Festival.  This yearly festival highlights the food and heritage of Iowa's Dutch immigrants. Band concerts, street and stage entertainment, Dutch dancers and lots of traditional food are all a part of this very popular event. Attracting thousand of people each year, the Pella Tulip Time Festival has activities for the whole family. Besides tours of historic Pella, another popular part of the celebration is the Volks parade, which features lighted floats led around downtown Pella's Central Park and business district by a town crier. Put on your wooden shows and join the fun. This year's event is May 7-9, 1998
For more information: (800)7go-dutch

ORANGE CITY TULIP FESTIVAL

This is another great way to experience Iowa's Dutch heritage. Held every year on the third weekend in May, the Orange City Tulip Festival made its debut in 1936 and now attracts over 150,000 people during the three-day event.

During the festival, you will see lots of people dressed in authentic Dutch costumes cleaning the street before the daily parade, with its bands and floats, makes its way down Central Avenue.  Trolley rides, museum tours, flower and quilt shows and musical entertainment are all a part of this community's celebration.

Delicious Dutch pastries will also tempt your palette, while blooming tulips and Dutch vendors selling a host of treasures will please your other senses. This year’s dates are May 14-16, 1998.
For more information: 712-737-4510

Photos Courtesy of "Iowa Division of Tourism"

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