Its about Tulip Time

I have been a Grand Rapidian since December 1998. In all those years I have never made it to the Tulip Festival in Holland. 

The festival takes place in Holland, Michigan 

which is about 25-30 minutes away from my house.

West Michigan is Dutch country, with several last names that are Van-something and something- inga.  

My great-grandmother was Dutch, so this is even part of my own heritage. 

There are several reasons for our lack of attendance to Tulip Time. We were not in the country during the festival for a little while.  Weather.. Some years the forecast was 40 and rainy, since a majority of events take place outdoors this wasn't appealing to me. Last year I heard it was called stem fest. The unseasonably warm winter messed up the bloom time of the tulips.  These are a few excuses.  This year I was determined to go for at least one day.

Not sure why, They are too loud, scuff the floor?
I wonder if you see this kind of sign in the Netherlands.

The flowers were impressive, we only made it to one of the patches of flowers that was in walking distance.
 Next year I would like to drive over to the large farm that has acres of blooming tulips. 

Only one of our kids was interested in being photographed.
Our first visit to this historic festival and I have no family photo to commemorate it.
Maybe next year, we will find some dutch hats and visit the parade, watch a traditional dutch dance and have happy children who will be glad to get their photo taken. Some of my hopes for Tulip Time 2014. And next year it will only be about a 10 minute drive from our new house, making it possible for us to visit more than one day.

Have I mentioned we are glad the weather has warmed up?  Rolling down the green grass, an indication of winter's end here in Michigan.

time for tulips from outypants on Vimeo.