Crowds have already gathered throughout the Pella Community for tulips at their peak bloom over the past few weeks.

The Pella Police Department reminds visitors and residents to enjoy the time leading up to and during the upcoming Tulip Time festival safely. Captain Paul Haase says it’s especially important for drivers near the Central Business District to pay extra attention leading up to the Klompen Classic and the three days of the celebration starting this Thursday.

Streets/Alleys permanently closed during the event Thursday through Saturday:
• Broadway Street from Washington to Liberty
• Main Street from Washington to Liberty
• East 1st Street from the alley north of Franklin to the alley south of Franklin
• East 2nd Street from the alley north of Franklin to Liberty
• Franklin Street from West 2nd to East 3rd
• Oost Poort Alley from Main to East 1st
• Alley between Franklin and Liberty extending from Main to East 2nd
• Alley west of the Pella Public Library (between Main and Broadway) from Liberty to Union
• Liberty Street from West 3rd to West 2nd
• West 2nd Street from Franklin to Liberty
• Independence Street from Main to East 3rd (parade staging area)
• East 1st Street from Union to Independence (parade staging area)
• East 2nd Street from Union to Independence (parade staging area)

Streets temporarily closed for parade or traffic congestion:
• Washington Street from Broadway to Main
• Main Street from Liberty to University

Additionally, those traveling from the south are reminded that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock have closed Highway T-15 over the Red Rock Dam for repairs, but Pella can still be accessed from Highway 14 north to G-28 east or from Highway 92 east to T-17 north. Hear more about Tulip Time from the Steering Committee on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.

Haase says they will stay in close contact with 92.1 KRLS with any traffic updates or concerns, and in case of any emergency of interest to the public.