As Pella Historical Society and Museums continue to reopen into the summer, they are still seeking support to bridge the gap lost by not having Tulip Time this past spring.

Executive Director Valerie Van Kooten says by this time, normally they are recognizing volunteers and sharing their annual report from the festival, and beginning plans for 2021. And while preparations for the 85th festival will begin soon, she says there was significant financial loss for Pella Historical Society, which is in charge of sponsoring and organizing the annual celebration.

The organization has been bolstered by several successful festivals over the previous five events, but completely losing the three day festival and their annual tourism boost in April and May will equate to approximately $250,000 in losses for the non-profit organization, and additional significant negative impact on the various businesses and organizations that rely on the festival annually.

She encourages those wanting to help make up for the losses to consider joining with an annual membership or through a donation that can be made on their website, pellahistorical.org.