Costumes and Dutch Letters and Tulips, oh my!

After living in Iowa for more than twenty years, I finally made it to a Tulip Festival in Pella. While the tulips were past their prime, it was quite a sight to see. We were able to spend the day with friends (the ones I made the costumes for) and get our own special tour of Pella, including some interesting history. For instance, did you know the tulip originated in Turkey and was transported to Holland?

 

I was unable to get a good photo of the large windmill in town, which was actually built in Holland, disassembled, shipped to Pella and reassembled. At the foot of the windmill is a large pair of wooden shoes that a couple of the kids decided to try on. And I am including this photo of the glockenspiel, one of few working in the country. Every hour it plays music and little figures "dance."

There are many displays and shops and touristy things to do. The wagon tours are fun and the dutch letters (a light pastry available at any of the many bakeries in town) are quite tasty. But my favorite attraction was the quilt show. I had hoped it would display older, period and historic quilts, but the variety and craftsmanship made for a delightful show. Here are just a few of my favorites...each so unique!

We ended our tour with the street washing and parade. Our friends put on their costumes and joined in the fun. It was especially affirming to hear the comments from others about how nice their costumes were. The parade included the Tulip Queen, cheese cart, shoe carving, Holland's Santa and more bands than I could count!

 

 

 The parade included many families with baby buggies and carts and all the local schools, too! I really enjoyed all the variety in costumes and community involvement.