City employees tapped for Tulip Fest parade marshals

by Janine Calsbeek

Sioux County Capital-Democrat, Orange City IA

(reprinted with permission of Pluim Publishing, Inc.)

 

 ORANGE CITY – "It's 33 days until Tulip Festival, and it's snowing outside!"

That was Bert Aarsen at the Tulip Festival Extravaganza April 12... and it was snowing, yes. Aarsen and his wife Peggy are chairs of the Festival steering committee this year, and on Saturday night they had the honor of announcing the parade marshal for this year. Actually, parade marshals. The city of Orange City – all of the city employees – are being recognized this year as parade marshals.

The Extravaganza program included the Tulip Queen and Court, selections from Sound of Music, the auctioning of the commemorative tile and two mime performances from MOC-Floyd Valley High.

And the snow?

Actually, according to Nora Mulder of Tulip Town Bulb Company, the weather has been great for the tulips. "A late winter, an early Tulip Festival... it should be prime. That's what we're hoping for," she said.

The Tulip Town Bulb Company, which took over the Vander Wel Gardens, is located at 116 First St. SW in Orange City, a block west of the downtown stop sign. Brett and Nora Mulder invite people to visit throughout the spring.

Tulip Festival is May 15-17 and Sound of Music performances May 14-17. Tickets for Sound of Music are available at the Chamber Windmill office, 707-4510.

 

So long, farewell...

The von Trapp children, Maria and the Captain entertained the diners at the Tulip Festival Extravaganza Saturday night, April 12 at the Vermeer dining room at Northwestern College. The children are, l-r, Natalie Anderson,  Brendan Foughty, Joel Brogan, Greta Hays (behind Joel's arms), Kendra Wieringa, Malea Beeson, and Aarika Van Gelder (hidden). Laird Edman plays Captain von Trapp and behind him is Emily Hinkle, who plays Maria.  (Photo by Janine Calsbeek)