Tulip Time surpassed expectations, blooms or no blooms

HOLLAND — Despite the flowers of the hour blooming too early, Tulip Time managed to surpass expectations in 2024.

Unseasonal heat and storms meant Holland's millions of planted bulbs bloomed and fell a weak earlier than anticipated, and many visitors saw stems in place of vibrant flowers.

By the end of festival week, only 20% of the tulips were left standing.

And yet, Tulip Time Executive Director Gwen Auwerda says this was an atypical situation — not a recurring phenomenon — and without the presence of abnormal weather conditions, the tulips will continue to bloom on time.

Visitors didn't seem to change their plans, with an estimated 600,000 attendees calculated from ticket sales over the course of the week. The festival also saw an increase in visiting motorhomes.

“My favorite thing is just chatting with people," Auwerda said. "Where they come from and how they hear about Tulip Time — many say it's on their bucket list."

This year's theme was "Bikes and Blooms," a nod to cycling being the Netherlands' second most common mode of transportation.

The title sprouted from a Zoom meeting between two sixth grade classrooms, one from Holland and the other in the Netherlands. As the students talked amongst each other, the U.S. class was shocked to learn how often their counterparts use bikes to travel.

This led to several bike-themed activities, including a bike decorating competition, a bike parade and sculptures of bikes spread throughout downtown.

Auwerda also said the numerous parades, Dutch Dancers and artisan market drew a larger turnout in 2024.

Planning for 2025 is already underway, with the festival's theme and events set to be released this fall.

— Megan Voorhees is a freelance writer for The Sentinel. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@hollandsentinel.com.