What began as a simple idea inspired by a high school operetta has blossomed into one of the Midwest’s most celebrated cultural festivals. Tulip Time, Pella’s tribute to its Dutch heritage, was first organized in 1935—planned in just two weeks—with little more than creativity, community spirit, and a few handmade wooden tulips.
After the success of Pella High School’s performance of “Tulip Time in Pella,” local leaders, including businessman Lon Wormhoudt and Central College President Irwin Lubbers, rallied the Chamber of Commerce to create a festival. That first event had no real tulips—only 125 wooden tulips crafted by cabinet-maker George Heeren—but it captured the imagination of the town.
The following fall, volunteers planted 85,000 tulip bulbs, setting the stage for a tradition that would grow in size and spirit. Early festivals included Dutch songs, a Maypole dance, antique displays, and a reenactment of the operetta. Despite the modest beginnings, the enthusiasm was undeniable, and planning for the next year began immediately.
By 1936, Tulip Time expanded into a five-day celebration themed around community values: History Day, Church Day, Neighbor Day, Central College Day, and Pella Day. It was during this second festival that Pella crowned its first Tulip Queen, Lenora Gaass, beginning a beloved tradition that has evolved into a pageant showcasing heritage, personality, and poise.
Over the years, Tulip Time continued to grow. It introduced staples like the Baby Parade, flower shows, and the charming Miniature Dutch Village—now housed in Pella’s Historical Village. In 1940, the first Tulip Toren (tower) was built, providing a central stage for festivities.
World War II brought somber changes. Festivals during the war years focused on patriotism, with scaled-back events and themes like “Defending the Flag” and “The Four Freedoms.” In 1945 and 1946, no queen was crowned, and funds were redirected to support the war effort and aid the Netherlands.
The festival returned in full force in 1947, Pella’s centennial year, with a grand pageant called “City of Refuge” and gifts of 1,000 wooden shoes and tulip bulbs from the grateful people of the Netherlands. The spirit of resilience and renewal became central to the festival’s story.
The decades that followed saw Tulip Time blossom even further. The 1960s introduced the Volks Parade and Dutch Fronts architectural program, which helped transform Pella’s downtown into a visual tribute to its European roots.
