Tulip Time 2016 Gary 2

Every morning during Tulip Time, a series of buses pull onto Main Street in Pella, filled with out-of-towners ready to take in the sights and sounds of Pella at its best.

Each group passing through is given a warm “hello” and their daily itinerary before they’re sent on their way with a blend of expertise and plenty of humor.

Pella’s Dutch Greeters have been the front line of Tulip Time for hundreds of visitors for over 35 years.

“If you took an average 75 buses a year–the first few years we had big numbers, and you go 30 years, then you take it times forty for an average busload…I’ve greeted a lot of people.”

It can be a frantic three hour shift for the small group with dozens of buses rotating around various tours and destination, but the man responsible for their service keeps everyone volunteering on task, and perhaps more importantly, keeps them laughing.

Gary Timmer can be seen bouncing around faster than most men half his age. The only thing quicker than his fleet feet may be his wit and ability to instantly connect with total strangers.

Timmer is this year’s Tulip Time volunteer service award winner. After nearly half a century of life in the Tulip City, Timmer has left an indelible mark with countless hours spending his free time in making Pella just a little more welcoming to anyone stopping by the neighborhood.

Tulip Time 2016 - Gary

He says the origin of the friendly service began over 35 years ago as motor coaches would pull in next to the Information Windmill downtown.

“The first year I was working here, a few buses pulled up and I said ‘man, we’ve got to something about that,'” Timmer recalls. “So I said to the commitee, ‘look we need to have a separate group of people greeting buses, not tied up [at the windmill].'”

“They said, ‘ok, do it,’ so I did, and I’ve done it ever since.”

While he’d be shy to admit it, his longtime friends understand his importance on the celebration. Brian Vande Lune serves as the town crier throughout the festival, and has a front-row seat to the work of Gary and his staff. He says the amount of time, effort, and organization to make it all flow wouldn’t be possible without Timmer’s unique energy.

“In talking to the tour guides that come back year after year with different people, they’ll tell you that this is one of most organized, best run festivals or events that they go to, and it all starts with Gary,” he says.

Steering Commitee Member David Vollmar believes Timmer embodies Tulip Time’s spirit of volunteerism.

“That’s something you can’t put a price on: the hours he puts in, the dedication puts in, the love–it’s a love for the community,” Vollmar says.

Vollmar says for the select group coming on the buses each year, their experience with Gary stands up to the great traditions of Tulip Time.

“He can step on any bus and have their attention in like three seconds, and I’m sure a lot of people will remember Tulip Time, the flowers, and the food, but I’m sure many of them will remember Gary as well.”

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