Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan with Two Dutchmen

For David’s birthday this past Thursday, David, his (Amsterdam born and raised) dad and I set out for a much anticipated day trip to Holland, Michigan’s “Tulip Time” festival. The day actually began with a third Dutchman, author and Lyme activist Huib Kraaijeveld, who had sent me a complimentary print copy of his fabulous new book, “Shifting the Lyme Paradigm: The caretakers’ guide on a hero’s journey.” The book arrived registered mail, so we stopped at the post office on our way out of town. David’s dad had been to Holland, MI in 1998, and David and I had never been there. Not knowing what to expect, we found the entire day filled with surprising delights, including the first parade I’ve enjoyed in decades. You’ll notice an improvement in the usual quality of posted photos, because David took all of these except for the one with both of us. (His dad took that.) I hope you enjoy this “oud wereld” excursion as much as we did:

Not surprisingly, Tulip Time included lots of tulips — all over town, of all shapes and sizes.

All the children in Dutch costumes were adorable!

This little girl loved posing for tourists. She had such a sunny personality and brightened everyone’s day.

History of the Dutch in Michigan

I wore orange for the “House of Orange” and my two Dutchmen’s favorite color, but little did I know I’d match so many tulips.

Flower Faery

As mentioned, I actually enjoyed the parade with its many creative costumes and touches of whimsy.

These “Dutch Masters” had flowers for palette colors.

The children reenacted Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” painting, as well as “Starry Night” and other famous Dutch paintings and stories.

After the parade, we went to the charming “Windmill Island,” because what’s Holland without windmills? This one focuses on sustainability and is a real, transported historic windmill from Holland.

Another view on Windmill Island.

Apparently, David and I both dressed for the occasion.

Those without a green thumb can at least grow wooden tulips to go with their wooden shoes.

An authentic Dutch street organ, complete with posing worker who runs the music twice per hour.

If I ordered correctly after a full day of searching for where to buy tulip bulbs at Tulip Time, we should have these beauties in our yard next spring.

According to David’s dad, the Dutch have been working for decades to breed a black tulip, but usually wind up with shades of purple. He was most excited to see these at the very end of our day.

Success at last! David’s dad has been telling me about the quest of the black tulip since we moved here. What a fitting way to end our Holland tour.