Tulip Time in Pella, Iowa is back.

The event that is put on to "Celebrate the rich Dutch heritage and culture of the founders of Holland, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Macatawa & Lake Michigan," will return in full force.

 

After two years of the Dutch festival having COVID restrictions abound, organizers are expecting the largest turnout they've seen in years.

Like almost everything else in the spring and summer of 2020, the entirety of the festival was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in 2021, the folks organizing the event downsized it and there was no parade.

This time around, according to KCRG in Cedar Rapids, "Organizers expect 250,000 people to attend during the three-day festival."

That's nearly eight percent of Iowa's total population of 3.19 million. The community has estimated a near $3 million influx into its economy. Almost 350,000 tulips have been planted all over Pella.

If you're worried about the possibility of rain this week and into the weekend, those putting the festival together are prepared. Pella Historical Society Executive Director Valerie Van Kooten said this to KCRG:

We’re looking for some plan B things if the stage shows have to be moved inside and so you can still come and enjoy everything even if it is a little rainy out.

Some of the main attractions as part of the celebration in Pella include the carnival that happens Friday night through Sunday, the Dutch foods, the museums, the walking tours, and more.

To see the full list of shows and events that are happening this week and weekend in Pella, you can go to the festival's website.

The event begins today, Thursday, and goes through this Sunday.

Small Town Iowa: Road Trip to Pella - Photos

When you mention Pella, most people say "they have all the tulips right?" Where that would be correct, there is so much more to this town. Pella is also home to two manufacturing companies, a college, the largest working windmill in the U.S. and it's the boyhood home of the legendary Wyatt Earp. Now, let's go on a virtual tour of this excellent example of picturesque small-town Iowa.

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