Acres and acres of tulips at the Holland America Bulb Farm in Woodland, WA. Photo: KGilb.
It’s official! March 2011 was one of the coolest–and wettest–on record here in the Pacific NW. But while the chilly weather may have delayed things a week or two, it couldn’t do away with Spring altogether. Bright yellow daffodils have finally started popping up everywhere, which usually means that Tulip Time is right around the corner. What better way to celebrate than a visit to the Woodland Tulip Festival?
The 9th Annual Woodland Tulip Festival takes place at the Holland America Bulb Farm and runs the entire month of April. Even before reaching the farm, visitors are treated to a wash of bright color in the normally verdant landscape. Acres and acres of tulips in brilliant shades of pink, purple, scarlet, yellow, and crimson red. 160 varieties in all! And that’s just the beginning.
Once at the farm, you can stroll through a show field for an “up close and personal” look at these beautiful blooms . . . take a tractor-train ride around the tulip fields . . . and visit a specially designed display garden near the house to pick up some landscaping ideas.
Want some tulip bulbs or fresh-cut flowers to take home with you? Be sure to visit the gift shop, which is also home to the annual art show sponsored by the festival. Tucked away among the spring flower pots, greeting cards, and specialty gift items, shoppers will find some beautiful artwork for sale. All based around a central theme of, what else, Spring Flowers!
The Woodland Tulip Festival is open daily from 9am to 6pm, with special events scheduled on the following dates: April 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24. On these particular weekends, visitors can also browse through a local artisan’s market and chow down on lunch from a variety of food vendors while listening to some live music. Everything from toe-tapping country/ western and golden oldies to a concert pianist and a Celtic harp. Entertainers include Ted Vigil, Jim Fischer, Carrie Cunningham & The Six Shooters, Kit Stowell, Bob Nehls, Killofin, and The Catillacs.
And for the kids? Weekend activities include face painting, a bounce house, arts/crafts, and did I mention that tractor-train ride around the tulip fields?
The Woodland Tulip Festival is an event tailor-made for the entire family, from grandparents to toddlers. It’s also free to the public, except for a $3 parking fee on the weekends.
Holland America Bulb Farms is located at 1066 South Pekin Road, Woodland, WA. They’re easy to find. Take Exit 21 off I-5 and then just follow the signs. Or for those who prefer detailed directions and a map, please check out the Holland American website or call 360-225-4512.