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The 2010 Tulip Time festival began yesterday in Pella. This is the 75th anniversary of the spring tradition, and almost perfect weather for the opening day of the celebration yielded a large crowd that was able to take in the sights, sounds and flavors that come with the Tulip City’s largest event.

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Highlights of the day included many dance and song performances by The Dutchesses, who also made a stop at the KNIA/KRLS Big Red Radio to sing for the listeners.

The afternoon parade included a number of colorful floats, including a new float from the Pella Historical Society, featuring the Delft collection of Mareah Scholte, wife of Pella’s founder Dominie Scholte.
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The parade also included hundreds of students from Pella Christian and Pella Community Elementary Schools, dressed in their finest Dutch attire.
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Of course the 2010 Royalty was leading the way, with Queen Heidi and her court waving to the crowd from horse-drawn carriages.
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Tulip Queens from the past were also recognized in the parade with a float of their own. Of 75 years of Tulip Queens, 72 of them are still alive, with many of the ladies attending this year’s festival.
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The evening activities included a performance on the square by the popular Dutch Dancers.

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Just before nightfall, the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band performed on the “Feesthouden” stage for the evening’s marquee entertainment.
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The 2010 Tulip Time celebration continues through Saturday night.