While it has only recently begun to feel like fall in south central Iowa, the City of Pella is already thinking about spring.

As of Saturday, Pella Parks Director Chandler Nunnikhoven says they have completed planting just over half of the tulip bulbs they are responsible for ahead of the 90th Tulip Time celebration in early May 2025.

The city received a boost from some of the fastest high school distance runners in the state, as the Pella and Pella Christian cross country teams sped through 17,000 bulbs in flower beds along Main Street on Saturday. All four varsity teams for the Dutch and Eagles will compete at the state meet this Friday and Saturday in Fort Dodge.

Tulip planting will continue in full force this week throughout the community, including in City of Pella flower beds and those managed by Pella Historical Museums, the organizer and sponsor of the annual Tulip Time festival.