The traditional coronation ceremony of Tulip Queen Alyssa Geetings was among the festivities kicking off the 2021 Tulip Time celebration Thursday.

Geetings and her royal court of Tessa Brouwer, Olivia DeHaan-Burch, Ashley Hardman, and Hannah Tschetter were among the afternoon and evening festivities, which included special processionals in place of the traditional parades. Geetings and 2020 Tulip Queen Hanna Kendall exchanged words and a passing on of the mantle of the ceremonial leader of the festival.

The Dutchesses, cheese traders, Dutch dancers, street scrubbers, and the Parade of Provinces returned to the Tulip Toren, with some of those performers, the Dutch family singers, high school orchestra students, and others “popping” up throughout the downtown area to perform.

Photos from day one activities: