The City of Pella needed help crossing the finish line to wrap up planting their annual tulip bulbs Saturday. So, they decided to bring in the experts from the state qualifying Tulip City cross country teams. Students from Pella and Pella Christian helped plant nearly 15,000 bulbs along Main Street in Pella in 25 degree weather with snowflakes flying. Parks Director Chandler Nunnikhoven is thankful for their efforts, as typically, the cross country teams kick off planting in late October, but a shipping delay instead had the state qualifiers from Eagle Lane and champions from the land of the Dutch working hard this weekend. In total, the City of Pella has planted 130,000 bulbs for bloom next spring, with Pella Historical Society adding approximately 100,000 at their locations in downtown Pella.