HOLLAND, Mich., December 10, 2019 – Tulip Time Festival (www.tuliptime.com) shares their Holiday Gift Guide.

Christmas is only two weeks away and if you haven’t yet checked everyone off on your gift list we can certainly help.  The Tulip Time staff has donned their stocking caps to come up with some quick and creative ideas. There is something for everyone in our Holiday Gift Guide!

• -A special night out – Pick up a dining gift card to enjoy Happy Hour or an early dinner at one of the many eateries in Holland before taking in a legendary performance by Gladys Knight.
• -Search Amazon for ‘crazy sunglasses,’ pick out an outlandish pair and wrap them up with tickets to see Elton Rohn – North America’s Premier Elton John Tribute Band (
• -A night on the town - Dueling Pianos International will perform at the Knickerbocker Theatre, just a few steps away from many great Downtown Holland restaurants that offer dining gift cards.
• -Score some tickets to one of the most popular Tulip Time acts – Back by popular demand are The Texas Tenors.  A pair of tickets with a selection of merchandise from their web store is the perfect gift for any fan https://thetexastenors.net/.
• -A touch of nostalgia is always a great gift - Fans of the Swing Era would love a pair of tickets to Dave Bennett’s Tribute to Benny Goodman.  Then visit Dave’s website and purchase some great music from his Shop https://www.davebennett.com/index.php/shop.
• -A Touch of Dutch gift idea – Beautiful Delft Christmas ornaments can be found in many Downtown Holland shops to wrap up with a pair of tickets to the Taste of Holland Dinner.
• -Nothing helps achieve a New Year’s resolution like the buddie system – Register you and a friend for the Tulip Time Run https://www.tuliptime.com/events/run as a perfect springtime goal.
• -Shopping for kiddos? There’s nothing more unique and fun than exotic animals.  See them at Animal Magic, one of the most sought-after animal shows in the country.
• -Food is always a great choice - A unique dining experience awaits at Dutch Comfort + Craft, an incredible fusion of Dutch foods and craft beers. Perfectly wrap these tickets inside a pair of Big Lake Brewing pint glasses or other great merchandise you can pick up at their location https://biglakebrewing.com/.
• -You can’t go wrong with flowers - Select a fabulous holiday arrangement from Eastern Floral www.easternfloral.com combined with tickets to their ever-popular Floral Arranging Class held during Tulip Time.

Quick links for your convenience:

Tulip Time Website https://www.tuliptime.com/

Gladys Knight https://www.tuliptime.com/events/gladys-knight

Elton Rohn https://www.tuliptime.com/events/elton-rohn

Dueling Pianos International https://www.tuliptime.com/events/dueling-pianos

The Texas Tenors https://www.tuliptime.com/events/texas-tenors

Tribute to Benny Goodman https://www.tuliptime.com/events/benny-goodman

Taste of Holland Dinner https://tuliptime.com/events/taste-of-holland-dinner/1

Animal Magic https://www.tuliptime.com/events/animal-magic

Dutch Comfort + Craft https://www.tuliptime.com/events/dutch-comfort-craft

Floral Arranging Class https://www.tuliptime.com/events/floral-class

Tulip Time Run   https://www.tuliptime.com/events/run

Don’t delay! Tickets can be mailed out within one business day of online ordering. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8^th Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2770.

Experience Tulip Time Festival, May 2-10, 2020. Detailed program and event information is available on www.tuliptime.com.

###

HOLLAND, Mich, Nov. 25 — Tulip Time® Festival (www.tuliptime.com) announces online registration is now open for the Tulip Time Run, which will be held on Saturday, May 2, at Kollen Park.

Experience the beauty of Holland as you run through the tulip-lined streets! The Tulip Time Run is presented by MVP Athletic Club and offers an event for everyone — a 5K, 10K and Kids’ Fun Run. And, back again, is the Tulip Time Virtual Run. If you cannot make it to Holland, Michigan for the Tulip Time Festival, run a 5K or 10K as your schedule permits, on any course of your choosing. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved!

All registered participants will receive a commemorative finisher medal, post-event refreshments and a race bib. Included with the race bib will be a complimentary gear check tag and a free beverage ticket, redeemable at the After Party at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant. Registering prior to April 15 ensures participants an event shirt. Race results are available within seconds of crossing the finish line via email, onsite kiosks or by downloading the IgniteYourEvent app.

Event Check-In and Late Registration will be available at the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, May 1, from 3pm – 7pm at MVP Athletic Club, and on Saturday, May 2 at 7am at Kollen Park. The Health & Fitness Expo offers information, displays and giveaways from event sponsors and health and fitness companies.

The 5K will start at 8am with the 10K starting at 8:30am and the Kids’ Fun Run at 9am at Kollen Park. Cash prizes will be awarded to the Overall male/female and Masters (40+) male/female in the 5K and 10K. Tulip Time Merchandise will be awarded to the Grand Masters (50+) male/female and Senior Masters (60+) male/female in the 5K and 10K. Age group awards will be awarded to the top three (male and female) in each age division for the 5K and 10K.

Registration and pricing information, along with all race details, is available online at www.tuliptime.com/run. Questions regarding registration and race details can be directed to Kara DenUyl, Race Director, at (616) 396-4221 ext. 114 or kara@tuliptime.com.

Join the dance at Tulip Time, May 2–10, 2020. Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time 2020 is available on www.tuliptime.com. Tickets for all shows can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8^th Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2770.

### 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Morgan DeVries
616.396.4221
media@tuliptime.com

HOLLAND, Mich., November 21, 2019 — Tulip Time Festival (www.tuliptime.com) is excited to announce the naming of some new board members for the 2020 year!

We have Matt Holmes joining the 2019 – 2020 Executive Committee, whose members now include:

We are also naming three new members to the 2019–2020 Tulip Time Festival Board of Directors:

We welcome these women alongside of our returning board members:

A little about these three new members:

Rosemary has enjoyed a career in the field of education for over forty years. Her family has been in Holland for over 25 years. “It’s an amazing city as the community appreciates and supports the arts, education, growth, innovation, and family friendly events” she said. Rosemary has been involved with Tulip Time for many years as an educator at West Ottawa Public Schools. Rosemary was a part of the Park Township Planning Commission and served on the Mosaic Counseling Board. “Tulip Time is a celebration that takes vision, leadership, planning and preparation. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the other members to continue and refine the traditions, programs and opportunities to showcase our hospitality and the great city of Holland.” Rosemary is an educational consultant.

Leesa was born and raised in Holland, Michigan, so she has a rich history of Dutch descent. She’s participated in Tulip Time Festival starting as a young grade student in the Kinderparade and continued until she was an Alumni Dutch Dancer. Leesa’s grandfather immigrated from the Netherlands to Holland and started Zwiep’s Greenhouse and so she spent many of her younger years planting tulip bulbs. Leesa has serve in various leadership positions at Christ Memorial Church. She currently serves on the Women’s Advisory Board to the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC, the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club as secretary, and Words of Hope Board of Directors. “Tulip Time has always had a special place in my heart. It’s exciting to see the hundreds of thousands of visitors come to our beautiful community year after year to experience our warm hospitality, our rich traditions, and of course our beautiful tulips!” Leesa and her husband, Jon, own and operate ProFuse Health.

Jodi is the Vice President at the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, and her responsibilities are very broad. She oversees events, human resources, accounting and finance functions, manage the facilities and operations and direct the West Coast Leadership program. Jodi has been a part of Ready for School Board of Directors, Director of West Coast Leadership, Association of Leadership Professionals, Institute of Organization Management, Association of Chamber of Commerce executives, and volunteers with numerous organizations throughout the Holland/Zeeland community. “I don’t remember a time when Tulip Time was not a part of my life. The opportunity to be a part of this incredible organization is really a life-long dream. I look forward to providing input and helping shape the strategic direction for this incredible organization.” Jodi is currently the Vice President at Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce.

The Board and Festival Staff wish to thank outgoing board members, Kim VandeVusse and Priya Gurumurthy for their years of unyielding support and heartfelt dedication to Tulip Time as they served out their board terms.

Join the dance at Tulip Time, May 2 – 10, 2020. Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time 2020 is available on www.tuliptime.com.. Tickets for shows can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com., in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8^th Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2270.

###

Tulip Time incoming board members, from left to right: Jodi Owczarski, Rosemary Ervine, Leesa Schram.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
M. Simone Weithers
616.396.4221x111
simone@tuliptime.com

HOLLAND, Mich., November 12, 2019 – Tulip Time Festival (www.tuliptime.com) announces the selected artists for Klompen Garden, a public art project celebrating the 91^st Tulip Time Festival. Klompen Garden will showcase 20 pairs of artfully designed large ‘wooden’ shoes, 19 of which will be installed throughout Window on the Waterfront park. The winning piece will be on display during the week of the festival in Tulip Time’s Visual Arts Series Exhibits at the Holland Area Arts Council.

Artists living in Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, Muskegon and Kalamazoo counties were invited to submit a design concept and sketch for this one-of-a-kind art project. “The Klompen Garden committee members had a great time reviewing all of the submissions,” stated Julia Van Fleet, Tulip Time Event Coordinator. “Of the 35 submitted concepts, 20 were selected and the variety is fun and vibrant.”  Tulip Time is supplying each selected artist or group of collaborating artists with a large pair (34”L x 12”W x 12”H) of ‘wooden’ shoes, through which each will bring their concept to life.

Upon completion of the 20 projects, a juror vote and public vote will determine the favorite klompen. The juror’s pick will be awarded a grand prize of $1,000. This year’s juror is John Berry, former Vice President of Corporate Communications at Herman Miller and first Executive Director of Design West Michigan.

All top 20 artists and their works will be featured at First Bloem, a special reception celebrating Tulip Time’s Visual Arts Series. Held February 6, this event is open to the public and serves as both a preview of the Visual Arts Series and an announcement of both the Poster Artwork Competition and Klompen Garden winners. First Bloem tickets will be on sale in December 10 at $70 per person or $130 per couple.

The public will have a chance to vote for their favorites of the remaining 19 klompen between May 2 – 9, 2020. The top three public picks will be announced on May 10. Of the public votes, first place will be awarded $500, second place will be awarded $300 and third place will be awarded $200. Visit www.tuliptime.com/klompen-garden for full details.

The artists, or groups of collaborating artists selected to create this unique garden are as follows:

Name/Organization  |  Concept Name

Elise Boven  |  Mooie Bloemen

Tammy Colem  |  Tunnel Park Menagerie

Amber Darsch |  In a Sea of Color

Perla De Leon  |  Toys from Home

Jackie Foss  |  Tulip Fields Forever & Two Hundred Tulip    

Susan Hill  |  Dutch Sneakers & Dutch Country

Elaine Kines  |   Moses Supposes His Toeses are Roses

Jerry & Karyn Klukos  |  To Grandpa with Love

Rozlin Opolka  |  Homage to the Windmill

Lina Pierson & Simone Weithers  |  Secondary Succession

Carolyn Stich  |   Scampering Thru the Tulips

Kelly Vander Kley  |  Fabric of the Night & Udderly Fabulous Springtime Moood

Priscilla Walsh  |   DeZwann View

Heidi Weller  |   Tulips En Pointe & Snapshots of Holland

Paige Wilds  |  Colorful Culture

The Tulip Time Team  |  Dynamic Heritage

For additional details, contact Julia Van Fleet at julia@tuliptime.com or 616.396.4221 x104. Follow this project now through the festival by using #klompengarden!

Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time 2020 is available on www.tuliptime.com. Tickets for all shows can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8^th Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2770.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:           
Simone Weithers
616.396.4221 x111
media@tuliptime.com

HOLLAND, Mich. – November 1, 2019, Tulip Time ® Festival (www.tuliptime.com) announces their festival entertainment tickets are going on sale Thursday, November 7, beginning at 9A ET. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8^th Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2770.

Highlights of the 2020 Tulip Time entertainment program include Gladys Knight, who will be performing on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Central Wesleyan Church. Premium Seating tickets (rows 1 through 12) are $90/person; General Seating tickets are $75/person.

“We’re very excited to have Gladys Knight performing in 2020,” stated Gwen Auwerda, Tulip Time Executive Director. “This year is Motown’s 60^th Anniversary celebration of all this fabulous music which builds excitement for this performance.” 

Other acts joining the Tulip Time entertainment line-up for the first time in 2020 include Elton Rohn – The Premier Elton John Tribute Band, Dave Bennett – A Tribute to Benny Goodman, and Dueling Pianos International. New for Kids & Family entertainment, Mark Rosenthal, voted Nickelodeon’s Michigan Entertainer of the Year, brings his fascinating Animal Magic show.  Back by popular demand will be The Texas Tenors as part of their 10-year anniversary tour, and festival favorite FiddleFire – The Panning Family Band.

The Local Performing Arts Series will highlight a wide variety of performances including everything from music to comedy. This is also the year for celebrations! The Holland Chorale joins the internationally renowned vocal ensemble Chanticleer for their 60^th Season concert. And, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the Holland American Legion Band’s 100^th Anniversary with a special concert at the Jack H. Miller Center on Saturday, May 9 at 7p.

The Visual Arts Series will debut the Dutch Dance Exhibit at the Holland Area Arts Council, along with the Quilt Show, Festival Artwork Exhibit and the Klompen Garden winning art.

Experience Tulip Time at the 91^st Festival, May 2 – 10, 2020. Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time Festival 2020 is now available on www.tuliptime.com.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

Contact:            
M. Simone Weithers
616.396.4221 x111
simone@tuliptime.com

Holland, MI – October 29, 2019, Tulip Time (www.tuliptime.com) and the Holland Area Arts Council (www.hollandarts.org) are pleased to announce the 2020 Festival Artwork Competition Top 20 finalists. 

Each year a work of art is selected for the official Tulip Time Festival Artwork Competition. Area artists create and submit their images which are then judged by a local art expert. This year’s submissions were reviewed by John Berry, Former Vice President of Corporate Communications at Herman Miller and first Executive Director of Design West Michigan. This year, a total of 103 submittals were received from 58 area artists. The artists and artwork listed below were selected as this year’s Top 20:

Janice Aalderink: Arlene 
Cindy Bender: Beautiful Diversity
Cindy Bender: Primarily Tulips
Bob Bosgraaf: Delftly Divine
Tanner Bosma: Ablaze
Betsy Buurma Morton: Simple Elegance
Susan Day Martell: By the Bunch
Alla Dickson: Alice in Wonderland
Barbara Doss: Harlequin Tulips
Patricia Flynn: Checkerboard Tulips
Justin Foster: Shapes on Tulips
Michelle Fuller: To Kiss or not to Kiss 
OiLin Jaeger: Love Connection
Karen Johnson: Lookin' Sharp
Aron Lowe: Dutch Dance 
Kate Moynihan: Dressed in Dutch Costume II
Todd Norman: Tulpenmanie
Robert Ortman: My Walk
Marguerite Riker: Bloom Where You're Planted
Conni Schaftenaar: Three Pink Tulips

The winner of the 2020 Tulip Time Festival Artwork Competition will be selected by representatives from Tulip Time and the Holland Area Arts Council. The Top 20 artists and their works will be featured at First Bloem, a special reception celebrating Tulip Time’s Visual Arts Series.  Held February 6, this event is open to the public and serves as both a preview of the Visual Arts Series and the announcement of Poster Artwork Competition winner.  Tickets on sale on December 10 and are $70 per person and $130 per couple.  

The remaining 19 finalists’ original works will be placed on display at the Holland Area Arts Council from May 2 through May 10, inviting the public to participate in the Viewers’ Choice Awards by voting for their favorite image. Cash prizes will be awarded on May 9 to the top three works of art with the most public votes.

View the Top 20 works on Tulip Time’s website at www.tuliptime.com or on the Holland Area Arts Council website at www.hollandarts.org. 

Experience Tulip Time Festival, May 2-10, 2020. Detailed program and event information is available on www.tuliptime.com. Tickets for shows go on sale November 7, 2019. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8th Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2770. 

###

HOLLAND, Mich., October 24, 2019 – Tulip Time® Festival (www.tuliptime.com) announces their festival entertainment line-up for 2020.

National Entertainment

Tulip Time Welcomes the Legendary Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight!

The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary including  “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” “If I Were Your Woman,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye),” “Best Thing to Ever Happen to Me,” and the #1 hit “Midnight Train to Georgia.”  In 1995, Knight earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the next year, Gladys Knight & The Pips were inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. Gladys Knight and The Pips were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 1998, and in 2004, Knight received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual BET Awards ceremony. The performance will take place on Fri., May 8, 7p-8p, at Central Wesleyan. Premium tickets (rows 1 through 12) are $90/p, General tickets are $75p.

Elton Rohn – The Premier Elton John Tribute Show - Don’t miss the show that has been proclaimed “the best Elton John tribute in North America!” Experience fabulous music and non-stop, high energy from start to finish!  Sat., May 2, Holland Civic Center; 8p; $35/

Dave Bennett – A Tribute to Benny Goodman - Benny Goodman will forever be the King of Swing. Bennett has created new arrangements of Goodman’s popular hits and jazz classics including Moonglow, I’ve Got Rhythm, Slipped Disc, Sing Sing Sing, and many others. Wed., May 6; 7-9p, Beechwood Church; $32/p

The Texas Tenors – Back by popular demand, The Texas Tenors are the most successful music group in the history of America’s Got Talent! Join us as they celebrate 10 years of performing together with their “10^th Anniversary Tour.”  Wed., May 6, 7-8:30p, Central Wesleyan Church, General tickets $38/p, VIP tickets $60/p.

Fiddlefire – The Panning Family Band – Now in their 8^th year, Fiddlefire continues to share their exceptional musical talent, humor and charm to sold-out crowds. Their diverse instrumentation includes fiddles, guitar, string bass, mandolin, percussion and dancing feet!  Thurs., May 7, 7-8:30p; Central Wesleyan Church, $32/p.

Dueling Pianos International - Dueling Pianos International is an all request, rock ‘n roll, comedy piano show that makes the audience the STAR of the show! This high-energy performance is full of fun and will have you singing, cheering and calling for more. Sat., May 9; 8p-9:30p; Knickerbocker Theatre, $18/p.

Local Performing Arts Series – presented by Fifth Third Bank

Tulip Time is pleased to announce the Performing Arts Series for the 2020 Tulip Time Festival. Each year, several of Holland’s cultural organizations collaborate with Tulip Time to create an array of entertainment for festival visitors.

Holland Community Theatre presents –On Golden Pond, a hilarious and heartwarming show about family generations learning to communicate and care about each other.  Consult website for days and times; $23/p.

Dutch Organ Concert – Organ music has a long history in the Netherlands and Dutch composers today continue to write music for the organ now influenced by jazz, rock and popular music. Sun., May 3, 7-8p, Hope Church, $15/p.

All That Jazz - Holland’s own chapter of the International Barbershop Harmony Society celebrates a distinctly American music style in a distinctly American way. Sat., May 2, 7-8:30p, Beechwood Church, $23/p.

Ah!Men Lunch Show - Enjoy a delightful lunch coupled with a one-hour show. One of West Michigan’s most powerful and versatile singing groups will present an all new program for 2020. Tues., May 5 – Fri., May 8, 11a-1p, Evergreen Commons, $28/p.

Dazzle! A Tulip Time Talent Showcase - The brilliantly fresh talent from four area high schools bursts onto the stage to present this vibrant medley. Enjoy this astounding variety of soloists, show choir and orchestral performances, all in one show! Tue., May 5, 8-10p, Central Wesleyan Church, $17/p.

Taste of Holland Dinner – Enjoy Dutch cuisine, dancing, music and costumes as part of this truly Dutch culinary and cultural experience. Fri., May 8 & Sat., May 9, 6:30-8p, Haworth Inn, $48/p.

Floral Arranging Class - Eastern Floral’s master designers teach you the art of floral arranging as you create your own masterpiece. Eastern Floral; Mon., May 4, 2p & Tue., May 5, 10a and 2p; $35/p.

American Legion Band 100^th Anniversary Celebration Concert – The Band is the pride of the Holland Community and has zealously entertained audiences both locally and around the world. Don’t miss this 100^th year celebration concert. Sat., May 9, 7-8p, The Jack H. Miller Center, $20/p.

Dutch Comfort + Craft - Big Lake Brewing invites you to savor an incredible fusion of Dutch comfort food and unique craft beers. Tue., May 5 and Wed., May 6 from 6-7:30p, Big Lake Brewing, $50/p.

Visual Arts Series

Join us at the Holland Area Arts Council for the Visual Arts Series of exhibits including the Tulip Time Quilt Show, Festival Artwork Display, the Klompen Garden winning art, and our newest addition – the Dutch Dance Exhibit. Sat., May 2, 10a-5p; Sun., May 3, 12-3p; Mon., May 4-Fri., May 8, 10a-8p; Sat., May 9, 10a-1p; Sun., May 10, 12-4p, Holland Area Arts Council, Admission:  $10/p.

Feature Performance

An Orchestra of Voices – Holland Chorale with Chanticleer - In the final concert of the Holland Chorale’s 60^th anniversary season, they will share the stage with internationally renowned, GRAMMY® award-winning, vocal ensemble Chanticleer!  Fri., May 1, 7:30-9:30p, DeWitt Auditorium, $20.

Kids & Family

Animal Magic - Tulip Time welcomes Mark Rosenthal, voted Nickelodeon’s Michigan Entertainer of the Year, and his fascinating cast of critters! Family fun for all ages! Sun., May 3, 2-3p, Holland Civic Center, $12/child; $18/adult.

There’s still a lot of planning going on at Tulip Time. Watch for more program announcements in the coming months on other fun ways to celebrate Tulip Time!

Join the dance at Tulip Time, May 2-10, 2020. Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time 2020 is available on www.tuliptime.com. Tickets for shows go on sale November 7, 2019. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West 8^th Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone at 800-822-2770.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Simone Weithers 
616-396-4221 x111 
media@tuliptime.com

HOLLAND, Mich. – October 17, 2019, the Tulip Time Festival (www.tuliptime.com) is pleased to announce that on Tuesday, October 15, members of the World Tulip Summit Society (WTSS) gathered at the Tulip Soiree held in The Hague, The Netherlands, to announce the recipients of the 2019 World Tulip Awards. The “World Tulip Awards” recognize those that excel in the promotion and celebration of the tulip.  In the spirit of highlighting the world’s most dynamic tulip experiences and their contribution to world friendship, WTSS recognized Tulip Time among this year’s recipients. 

World Tulip Awards are presented to organizations and individuals who have distinguished themselves in the development and promotion of tulips as part of their destination’s tourism appeal. Tulip Time – Holland, Michigan, USA was recognized in the “World Tulip Destination Worth Traveling For” category. As an invited guest of the WTSS, Gwen Auwerda, Tulip Time Executive Director, accepted the award. 

“We are extremely honored to have received this award,” stated Gwen Auwerda. “To be recognized among this elite group of tulip celebrations is indeed a privilege.” 

Earlier this month, America In Bloom awarded the City of Holland the top prize for cities with a population of 30,000 to 40,000.   Judges evaluated the community’s work in the areas of community vitality, environmental efforts, celebrating heritage, landscaped areas, urban forestry, flowers, and overall impression, as well as assessing community involvement.  A special “Life of the Party – Best Community Celebration” award was presented to the City of Holland by America In Bloom in recognition of the Tulip Time Festival, which marked 90 years in May. 

About World Tulip Summit 

The "Great Tulip Conference of the Royal National Tulip Society", last held in London in 1897, was revived in 2002 under the new title of the ‘World Tulip Summit’. Hosting of this premier tulip event continues to be shared by different World Tulip Society members worldwide: 

2002 Ottawa, Canada | 2006 Canberra, Australia | 2008 Spalding, United Kingdom |2010 Skagit Valley, United States of America | 2013 Istanbul, Turkey | 2015 Suncheon City, South Korea | 2017 Ottawa, Canada |2019 The Hague, Netherlands 

The World Tulip Summit is organized by the World Tulip Society, a non-profit organization incorporated under Canadian law. Its board and members consist of representatives of major tulip festivals and industries across the globe. 

About America In Bloom 

America In Bloom (AIB) promotes nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements. We envision communities across the country as welcoming and vibrant places to live, work and play – benefiting from colorful plants and trees; enjoying clean environments, celebrating heritage, and planting pride through volunteerism. 

AIB was founded in 2001 by a group of horticulture industry professionals who developed the organization to connect people to the benefits of plans 

Experience Tulip Time  at the 91st Festival, May 2 – 10, 2020. Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time Festival 2020 will soon be available. Watch for our exciting entertainment line-up announcement later this month! 

### 

Tulip Time Executive Director, Gwen Auwerda (center) with World Tulip Society Chairs, Ibo Gülsen (left) and Michel Gauthier (right). 

Offering a robust lineup of entertainment, events and Dutch culture while catering to hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, Tulip Time Festival is proud to be considered a “World Tulip Destination Worth Travelling For”. 

How exactly did a small town on the shores of Lake Michigan become the home of one of the largest tulip festivals in the world? Believe it or not, it all started in the late 1500’s when the Netherlands began cultivating tulips. Through ups and downs over the centuries, the Dutch maintained a commercial devotion to the flower and in 1847, Dutch settlers made their way to Michigan bringing tulips along for the ride. The sandy soil in Holland, Michigan provided excellent conditions for the bulbs and the tulips flourished.

By 1927, it was suggested by high school biology teacher Lida Rogers that the city of Holland plant tulips along the streets and in city parks as a beautification effort. The next year 100,000 bulbs were purchased and planted, with the very first “Tulip Festival” held in May of 1929.

Over 90 years later, close to 1,000,000 bulbs arrive in Holland, Michigan in the fall. Planting all those bulbs is no small feat so the community becomes a part of the planting experience. Community Planting Day is held in early October and with the help of volunteers, the City of Holland directs the planting of thousands of tulips over the course of 4 hours at Window on the Waterfront park. A few days later the business community steps in as teams from local organizations and businesses engage in Corporate Planting Day at Centennial Park. These events help kick off the extensive tulip planting season in Holland. By mid-November over 120 varieties of tulips are planted, preparing for a grand bloom in the spring here on the Lake Michigan shore  - nearly 200 years after they first made an appearance!

When you combine the City of Holland plantings, local tulip farm plantings and the business and residents that plant their own bulbs, Holland, Michigan bursts into bloom with over 5,000,000 tulips each spring. A simple beautification project has become an exuberant celebration of Dutch heritage, community and of course, tulips.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            

Contact:               
Simone Weithers
616.396.4221x111
simone@tuliptime.com

HOLLAND, Mich., – Tulip Time ® Festival (www.tuliptime.com) announces the return of Klompen Garden, a hugely popular public art project which debuted in 2019.   Klompen Garden will showcase 20 pairs of artfully designed large ‘wooden’ shoes installed in city parks and tulip beds throughout the downtown Holland area.

Artists living in Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, Muskegon and Kalamazoo counties are invited to submit a design concept and sketch for this one-of-a-kind art project. Submissions will be accepted through an online submission form until October 14, 2019 at 11:59 PM EST. Of the submitted concepts, 20 will be selected to create the Klompen Garden. Tulip Time will supply each selected artist or group of collaborating artists with a large pair (34”L x 12”W x 12”H) of ‘wooden’ shoes, through which artists are encouraged to bring their concept to life.

Upon completion of the 20 projects, a juror vote and public vote will determine the favorite klompen. Tulip Time has invited John Berry to serve as this year’s Klompen Garden juror. Berry will select one grand prize winner who will be awarded $1,000 at the First Bloem Reception in February.  The winning pair will be displayed at Holland Area Arts Council for the duration of the festival.

The public will also have a chance to vote for their favorites of the remaining 19 klompen between May 2 – 19, 2020. The top three public picks will be announced on May 10. Of the public votes, first place will be awarded $500, second place will be awarded $300 and third place will be awarded $200. Visit www.tuliptime.com/klompen-garden for full entry details and competition information!

For additional details, contact Julia Van Fleet at julia@tuliptime.com or 616.396.4221 x104. Follow this project now through the festival by using #klompengarden!

###

Tulip Time has offered photography enthusiasts a unique opportunity to see one of Holland’s top tourist attractions through the eyes of a professional photographer over the last two years during the festival. Photojournalist Mike Lozon has lead exclusive photo shoots of Windmill Island Gardens in full festival bloom. We will be offering opportunities again in 2020 and we couldn't be more excited!

Mike shares tips and tricks for creating eye-catching images before leading a hands-on walk around the beautiful island gardens. Participants of the Tulip Time Photo Walks have the option to submit one photo to be selected as Best Picture for each shoot. Winners will be awarded a Photography Quick Guide and they will be featured in Tulip Time social-media posts. Here's a glance at some winners from the past two years:

Mike Lozon is a writer, editor and photographer who spent the first part of his career working for newspapers throughout Michigan. He left the newspaper business in the 1990s to start The Write Way, a business specializing in the creation of personal memoirs, and the histories of Michigan businesses and nonprofit organizations. He started Freestyle Photography as an offshoot of his writing and editing business. He has taken photos for Tulip Time, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission, Holland Area Arts Council, Outdoor Discovery Center/DeGraaf Nature Center, Holland Area Visitors Bureau, Downtown Holland, Windmill Island, and the Ready for School organization. He conducts seasonal photography workshops for the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission. A Holland resident, he received his bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from Central Michigan University.

Watch for announcements coming in October for the 2020 Photo Walks.

HOLLAND, MI – Tulip Time and the Holland Area Arts Council are pleased to announce the 2020 Festival Artwork Competition through which a work of art is selected for the official Tulip Time poster. Each year, the Holland Area Arts Council invites a juror to select the Top 20 pieces. John Berry, former Vice President of Corporate Communications at Herman Miller, will be the 2020 juror. John comes with years of experience, as the founder and first Executive Director of Design West Michigan and founder and first Director of the Design Thinking Academy at Grand Valley State University. John has a MFA in Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BS in Design and Spanish from Indiana University.

Until 2011, posters were commissioned work from selected artists. Since transitioning into a Festival Artwork Competition, nine local artists have been awarded this honor:

2011       Beth Charles – “Drama Queens”

2012       Brittany Strabbing – “Beautiful Dream” 

2013       Maggie Schultz – “Clothed in Splendor”

2014       Karin Nelson – “Resilience”

2015       Carolyn Stich – “Joy of Spring”

2016       Alla Dickson – “Spectacle”

2017       Michele Gort – “Playful Time”

2018       Cindy Awrey – “Together”

2019       Carolyn Stich – “Enduring Delft”

Submissions for the 2020 Festival Artwork Competition will be accepted October 2-5, 2019. The artwork theme should represent Tulip Time’s mission to celebrate Holland’s community today, tulips and Dutch heritage. The winner of the 2020 competition will be announced at a reception celebrating Tulip Time’s artists, which will be held in February.

To view the submission forms and full entry requirements, please pick up a prospectus from the Tulip Time Festival Office or the Holland Area Arts Council. The prospectus can also be found online at https://tuliptime.com/festivalartwork and www.hollandarts.org.

For additional details, artists are encouraged to contact Mary Sundstrom at (616) 396-3278 or mary@hollandarts.org.

Tulip Time expresses gratitude to Alpenrose Restaurant for their presentation of the Festival Artwork and thank Eastern Floral, Elisabeth Marie Photography, Evergreen Commons, Gill Staffing, Lighthouse Group, Next Creative Co., and West Michigan Woman for their partnership.

Join us as we paint the town orange in celebration of Holland’s community, millions of tulips, and Dutch heritage at the 91^st Tulip Time Festival May 2 – 10, 2020.

###

Holland Board of Public Works (HBPW) is excited to be the Official Tulip Time Conservation Partner for the 7^th year in a row: www.tuliptime.com/green. HBPW has been a community-owned resource since 1893, and strives to be environmentally responsible while providing reliable and economical electric, water and wastewater treatment, and fiber services to the Holland community.

Are you wondering how you will navigate experiencing all that Tulip Time has to offer? Rethink your transportation choice by taking the Downtown Holland Park & Ride Shuttle. The shuttle not only offers you optimal convenience for getting into downtown, but it’s also better for the environment. By using public transportation you’ll save time avoiding traffic and parking, and also reduce your carbon emissions. Check out the interactive map for details and routes to plan your Tulip Time activities https://www.tuliptime.com/visit/transportation

As you explore the Tulip Time Festival, you will find free water bottle filling stations. Bring a refillable water bottle for reuse. There is no need to buy disposable bottles of water when you can conveniently refill! Additionally, you will find recycling bins around the festival, promoting stewardship of our resources. Be sure to recycle acceptable materials.

HBPW will be helping Tulip Time paint the town orange. Before the Kinderparade on Thursday, May 9, we’ll be passing out orange hard hats for kids and other conservation tips. The West Ottawa Robotics team (WOBOTS) and their robots will be assisting us!

In addition, partially guided tours of Holland Energy Park (HEP) will be held during Tulip Time. Tours are on a first come first serve basis, and will be held Monday thru Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., as well as Monday thru Wednesday afternoons from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Participants need to arrive no later than ten minutes after the tour start time. More information can be found at www.hollandenergypark.com/events/ or by contacting the HBPW visitor programs specialist at 616-355-1213.

Remember to Rethink, Reuse, Recycle:  See you at Tulip Time!

Two days remaining before the Tulip Time Art In Bloom (AIB) competition deadline, Cindy Awrey, a four-time top 20 AIB artist, had completed two pieces of artwork to submit for the 2018 competition. While sitting in her Bible study, she was struck with inspiration to create a piece from a graphic approach focusing on black and white. As is the case with most of her pieces, Cindy finished the piece within the day; unlike her other pieces, this piece was made with acrylic paint instead of her usual oil paint medium, as oil takes weeks to dry and she only had one day left!

To Cindy, the importance of Tulip Time is that it draws people together. Wandering through the sites of the festival, Cindy was inspired by the diversity of festival-goers. Visitors of different walks of life come together in unity for this celebration of tulips, Dutch heritage, and community. Cindy aimed to capture this aspect of Tulip Time in her piece.

“Together can be interpreted many ways, but my intention is a positive message encouraging people to come together and enjoy the celebration.”

Cindy describes her winning artist experience as completely surreal; from her name being announced as the winner to seeing her artwork come to life on mugs, shirts, and posters to riding atop a vintage car in the Muziekparade, she reflects that AIB is a great boost for artists in our area and contributes significantly to the vibrant artistic culture in Holland, Michigan. 

——————

Submission forms are now available for the 2019 Tulip Time AIB competition. The submission deadline is October 4, 2018. Full details can be found at: www.tuliptime.com/artinbloom

Hope College graduate and East-sider, Stephanie Eiler participated in her first Tulip Time Festival in 2016 as a Business Development Intern on the Tulip Time staff. Through her internship, Stephanie gained a deep understanding of the community connectivity that Tulip Time fosters here in Holland, MI. Most impactful for Stephanie was the way in which local businesses partner with Tulip Time to execute this 9 day, city-wide festival. Now in her career, Stephanie applies her learned skills of community engagement and problem solving in her role as Marketing Coordinator at GMB Architecture + Engineering, a business located right in the heart of downtown Holland and the 2018 presenting partner for the Tulip Time Dutch Dance program. Stephanie enjoys that much of the festival, including parades and Dutch Dance performances, happens right in front of her new office location. To Stephanie, evening Dutch Dance performances are like the mecca of Tulip Time where students, co-workers, families, and visitors from across the globe all share in the experience of Tulip Time.

“Our culture at GMB Architecture + Engineering is centered around learning, giving, and growing; therefore giving back to the community is an important part of our culture. We feel we are doing that when we invest in Tulip Time.”