“A Tribute to Tulips” revealed as theme for 2017 Tulip Festival

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The Tulip Festival Steering Committee has revealed the theme for the 2017 celebration as “A Tribute to Tulips.” The event, set for May 18-20, will be Orange City’s 77th annual Tulip Festival.

In determining a theme for the upcoming festival, Jeff and Renee Guthmiller, co-chairpersons of the 2017 Steering Committee, wanted to emphasize the significance and long-standing history of tulips to the annual event. “When thinking of Tulip Festival, it’s hard not have tulips at the forefront of your mind,” says Jeff. “No matter how many tulips are in bloom during the festival, they are a significant part of our celebration. Thus, the theme for the 2017 festival is ‘A Tribute to Tulips.’”

The history of tulips and the annual celebration dates back to May 1933, when Orange City’s Lawn and Garden Club, Women’s Club and Lions Club co-sponsored a tulip show and contest. Orange City’s first official Tulip Festival, which included 40,000 to 50,000 tulips in addition to new events, was held in May 1936.

Today, an estimated 50,000 tulip bulbs in more than 50 varieties are planted in Orange City each year.

Plans are well under way for next year’s Tulip Festival, and the Steering Committee encourages community members of all ages to consider joining the event in one of many volunteer opportunities.

2017 Tulip Queen Pageant to be held November 14

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The 2017 Tulip Queen Pageant will be held Monday, Nov. 14 at the Unity Christian Knight Center. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for all attendees, regardless of age or whether they choose to vote.

Candidates for the 2017 Tulip Queen include: Emma De Jong, daughter of Douglas and Jamie De Jong; Olivia Duesenberg, daughter of Gary and Rachel Duesenberg; Karli Lang, daughter of Chris and Sherry Lang; Sydnee Olson, daughter of Jody and Denene Nibbelink and Chad and Amanda Olson; and Noelle Sampson, daughter of Brent and Teresa Sampson.

Tulip Queen candidates will give presentations on Orange City and will be interviewed by both the judges and emcees of the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the 2017 Tulip Queen during the pageant.  The 2017 Tulip Queen will be crowned as a conclusion to the event.

The 2017 Tulip Festival Night Show production will also be announced at the event.

Orange City’s 2017 Tulip Court elected

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Orange City’s 2017 Tulip Court (L-R): Karli Lang, Noelle Sampson, Emma De Jong, Sydnee Olson and Olivia Duesenberg

Orange City’s 2017 Tulip Court was elected on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016.

Tulip Court members for the 77th annual Tulip Festival include: Emma De Jong, daughter of Douglas and Jamie De Jong; Olivia Duesenberg, daughter of Gary and Rachel Duesenberg; Karli Lang, daughter of Chris and Sherry Lang; Sydnee Olson, daughter of Jody and Denene Nibbelink and Chad and Amanda Olson; and Noelle Sampson, daughter of Brent and Teresa Sampson.

A Queen’s Tea and Pageant will be held on November 14 to crown the 2017 Tulip Queen. The Queen and Court will serve as ambassadors for Orange City’s 77th annual Tulip Festival, set for May 18-20, 2017.