03-05-2025
Mayor: Tulip Time brings unique charm to Holland
HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — As Holland prepares for its 96th Tulip Time Festival, Mayor Nathan Bocks, who has also served as a festival tour guide for more than three decades, says the city's century-old tradition continues to play a vital role in shaping both community identity and local business.
The annual celebration draws an estimated 600,000 visitors and generates a $50 million economic impact, according to Bocks. He noted the city invests $125,000 each year to purchase and plant tulip bulbs — a cost he views as a valuable return for the community.
'Tulip Time not only has the flowers,' Bocks said. 'We have something for everybody.'
This year's festivities feature 875 volunteer Dutch Dancers, parades, shows, a carnival, and activities aimed at families with young children — a group Bocks said the city continues to engage through targeted outreach.
Volksparade at Tulip Time getting shorter route
As the event grows, so does the emphasis on safety and logistics. Bocks praised the city's police and public works departments for their efforts in crowd and traffic control, especially during weekday parades.
'We've been doing this for 96 years,' Bocks said. 'Our folks are the best in the world at making sure things run smoothly.'
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