A three-day event that started with below zero wind chills gave way to a warm stretch just in time to celebrate the Christmas season in Pella this past Thursday through Saturday, capped with the arrival of Sinterklaas and the annual parade.

The tradition held by Pella Historical Museums kickstarted a busy Saturday in the Pella community, as the Kerstmarkt Dutch Market, Pella Opera House Festival of Trees, and Christmas Tour of Homes concluded with hundreds of participants.

Children were able to visit with Sinterklaas at Scholte Church and receive a treat after the Dutch icon gave an address on the Tulip Toren following the parade, where he was joined by new Tulip Queen Addison Bandstra, Burgemeister Randy Sikkema, and Pella Mayor Don DeWaard.

The Pella Marching Dutch even performed Christmas music from high atop the Vermeer Windmill after participating in the parade.

Hear more from a festive weekend in the City of Pella on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.