The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Tulip Time

Street scrubbers in Pella

Tulip Time is finally here…and now gone :(

To me, it truly is the most wonderful time of year! Good food, parades, my costume, Dutch dancing, beautiful flowers…so many reasons to love Tulip Time!

My Dutch selfie!  :)

Growing up, Tulip Time meant riding on the VFW float that my Grandpa was pulling, sharing Vet Bollen with my Grandma, walking in the parade with all the other school kids, spending time at Grandma and Grandpa's house because it was right on the parade route, Grandma's fresh chocolate chip cookies, walking through the craft show with Mom, Dutch dancing, scrubbing streets, and so very much more!

With my Grandparents now being gone, it makes it a bittersweet time. So, to keep my mind busy, and to continue to support the festival that helps keep our community thriving, I decided to volunteer at the Pella Historical Village.

This little village features a replica sod home that the founders of the city lived in, a working windmill that grinds grain into flour, a replica of Wyatt Earp's boyhood home, and a Dutch bakery. The bakery is fully functional during Tulip Time, and also where I spent my time this year.

As the bakers from Jaarsma's Bakery crafted and baked fresh Dutch Letters, I greeted guests and served them the fresh pastries. This was such a fun experience! I was able to meet so many people, and share with them the Dutch treats that I grew up with and love so very much.

I finally finished my costume, and had enough time to make a second apron and scarf set…because what girl doesn't love her accessories! Here's a picture of me and my handsome hubby.

 

Aren't my wooden shoes cute! They are more comfortable than they look.

After a long day on my feet, I treated myself to my very favorite Dutch treat…Vet Bollen…I can remember making these with my Grandma when I was a child. They are like a doughnut hole, with dried currants, or raisins, and then deep fat fried and tossed in sugar.

 

I sat and ate my Vet Bollen, then my Pella Bologna Sandwich (dessert comes first of course!) and watched the parade.

The local VFW carries the American flag, which is then followed by the Dutch flag.

The Tulip Queen - yes, you read that right...a Tulip Queen.

The baby parade...babies in dutch costume..isn't she cute as a button?! There were dozens more as cure as her!



The local Christian school band...all members march in red and black costumes with red wooden shoes!

 

 

If you ever get the chance, come visit our little Dutch town during Tulip Time…if you make it to the Historical Village, maybe I'll be the one to serve you a fresh Dutch Letter!