When people see the Tulip Queen and Royal Court wearing their traditional costumes before and during the annual Tulip Time celebration, they probably don’t know the two individuals responsible for getting the uniforms ready for the festival. Phyllis Zylstra and Jacki Craver have operated Custom Costumes for four decades, with the duo coming up with the concept for the costumes seen on the royalty of each year’s festival. Both say they try to stay as authentic to the original designs as possible, referencing several sources and scouring shops around the region for fabrics that match the originals. Both say the most rewarding aspect of the festival is seeing the finished product showcased throughout the spring and the relationships they build with the Tulip Court over the course of the year. Hear more about the costumes of Tulip Time on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.