Press Releases – Page 11 – Orange City Tulip Festival

Tulip Festival concerts will open 2016 Onstage Orange City summer series

April 28, 2016/in Press Releases/by Juliana Pennings

Four bands will perform during Tulip Festival to kick off the Orange City Arts Council’s annual summer series, Onstage Orange City.

Photo above courtesy of The Sioux County Capital-Democrat

Orange City’s own Usual Suspects will perform on Wednesday night, May 18, during the Tulip Festival Cruise-in Car Show. The concert will begin at 6 p.m. and will take place on Central Avenue. The band plays a variety of musical styles, including classic acoustic-based pop and rock, blues, contemporary folk and original songs. The Usual Suspects will also perform during Tulip Festival’s ArtBurst event on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m. in the Straatmarkt.

The Mankato Riverblenders Barbershop Chorus will entertain on Thursday night, May 19. The group has provided “family entertainment through barbershop harmony” since 1973. They’ve performed all over the Midwest, as well as in Canada, England and Wales. A 35-member chorus will provide A cappella music in three sets: gospel, patriotic and modern. Two quartets from the group will sing between sets, one of which has excelled in both district and international competitions.

Now Serving 7, a Christian electro-coustic pop/rock band, will take the stage on Friday night, May 20. They have performed with artists including Jeremy Camp and Superchick, and have also performed at official NASCAR events. Making their fourth consecutive-year appearance at Tulip Festival, Now Serving 7 will perform songs from their current album, “I Will Go.”

Bella Ruse will close the Tulip Festival concert series on Saturday night, May 21. The music of Orange City native Joseph Barker and his wife, Kay, is described as a “combination of airy folk and crunchy pop.” Kay’s “antique voice” and Joseph’s “mournful guitar,” combined with an array of instruments including a typewriter, suitcase organ, glockenspiel and kazoos, have earned them national recognition. Bella Ruse has traveled across the United States to perform concerts and radio tours and has been recognized as a “must-see act.”

The concerts on May 19, 20 and 21 will take place at the band shell in Windmill Park at 7:30 p.m., and there is no cost to attend. The rain location for the concerts is the Orange City Town Hall.

Onstage Orange City is a program sponsored by the Orange City Arts Council, and brings in local, regional, national and international artists to perform throughout the summer. To view a full schedule for the 2016 season, visit www.orangecityarts.net. This summer will mark the seventh year of Onstage Orange City.

Tulip Festival will host Cruise-In Car Show

April 26, 2016/in Press Releases/by Juliana Pennings

The Orange City Tulip Festival will host a cruise-in car show as a kick-off to its 76^th annual celebration on Wednesday, May 18. The annual cruise-in car show, a long-standing event at Tulip Festival, will begin at 6 p.m. on Second Street North and Central Avenue in Orange City.

Individuals who own and maintain classic cars are welcome to join the event. The Tri-State Cruisers will also join the car show. Pre-registration is not required for the cruise-in. There is no entry fee for the show, and a freewill donation will be collected for the local Relay for Life chapter.

Orange City’s own Usual Suspects will provide musical entertainment during the event.

Questions about the cruise-in car show can be directed to the Tulip Festival office at 712-707-4510.

Celebration at Stadscentrum set for May 4

April 22, 2016/in Press Releases/by Juliana Pennings

An open house at Stadscentrum is set for Wednesday, May 4 in celebration of its one year anniversary. The event will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Located on the corner of Central Avenue and Second Street North in Orange City, Stadscentrum, or “city center,” opened in May of 2015. The building is home to Orange City’s wooden shoe carving equipment and 107-year-old Dutch street organ. Two kiosks in Stadscentrum depict the history of Tulip Festival through photos, narrative and artifacts. Several mounted photos also show the history and vibrancy of Orange City.

In its inaugural year, visitors from nearly 20 states and more than 10 countries have toured Stadscentrum, both during Tulip Festival and throughout the year. In addition to visitor tours, a variety of events and activities have taken place at Stadscentrum, including the 2016 Tulip Court election, a trick-or-treat photo booth, Tour of Trees during the holiday season, Sinterklaas Day, and Tulip Festival Dutch costume exchange.

The Dutch street organ will be played and wooden shoe carving demonstrations will take place during the open house.

The Orange City Dutch Heritage Boosters will also serve poffertjes at the Little White Store on May 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Questions about the Stadscentrum open house can be directed to the Orange City Chamber of Commerce/Tulip Festival office at 712-707-4510.

Adult Dutch Dance practice dates are set for Tulip Festival 2016

March 24, 2016/in Press Releases/by Juliana Pennings

Photo courtesy of The Sioux County Capital-Democrat.

The Tulip Festival Steering Committee invites adults, college-age and older, to participate in the Adult Dutch Dance portion of this year’s Straat Feest. Both new and returning dancers are welcome and encouraged to join.

Adult Dutch Dance practice dates are set for six Monday evenings, beginning in April. The dates include April 11, 18 and 25, as well as May 2, 9, and 16. Each practice will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. at the Orange City Town Hall.

Authentic Dutch costumes are required for participants. Participants are encouraged to find their own dancing partner, but assistance will be provided if needed.

Questions can be directed to the Tulip Festival office at 712-707-4510.

2016 Parade Marshal Introduced

March 16, 2016/in Press Releases/by Juliana Pennings

The Tulip Festival Steering Committee is pleased to honor Brian De Jong as the parade marshal for 2016, as announced at the Tulip Festival Extravaganza on Wednesday, March 16.

A native and lifelong resident of Orange City, De Jong rode floats and carried cheese in the Dutch Heritage Walk as a young boy.

De Jong’s involvement with the festival since has proven significant, as he’s volunteered in a variety of capacities. He’s carried province flags in the parades, pushed “De Bloomenmarkt” cart in the Dutch Heritage Walk, assisted with the Night Show, Dutch danced, and guided city bus tours.

Photo courtesy of the Sioux County Capital-Democrat.

His longest-standing role as a Tulip Festival volunteer, however, is his time working in the Windmill Information Booth. “My favorite job at Tulip Festival? I loved so many, but if I were to narrow it down, it has to be the Windmill Information Booth,” says De Jong.

De Jong has sold tickets, given directions and answered Tulip Festival questions in the Windmill Information Booth for more than 20 years. “I love meeting the many visitors – finding out where they are from, how they heard about the festival, and seeing the excitement they have while visiting,” he says.

“Brian’s dedication to Tulip Festival is remarkable,” says Mike Hofman, Chairman of the 2016 Steering Committee. “He is a great ambassador for the festival, and we are grateful for the many ways he has served our community’s celebration.”

In addition to riding in each of the festival’s six parades as the 2016 parade marshal, De Jong will continue his role with the Windmill Information Booth, coordinating volunteers and greeting thousands of visitors.

2016 Tulip Court Costumes Revealed

March 16, 2016/in Press Releases/by Juliana Pennings

Queen Ava Grossmann and her Court will wear the authentic 1880s Protestant dress from South Beveland for the 2016 Tulip Festival. Image courtesy of Generations – Portraiture and Weddings.

The annual Orange City Tulip Festival Extravaganza was held Wednesday, March 16, at Prairie Winds Event Center. The event featured a luncheon and program during which the costumes for the 2016 Tulip Queen and Court were revealed and the 2016 parade marshal was introduced.

Members of the 2016 Tulip Court are Queen Ava Grossmann, daughter of Jonathan and Glenda Grossmann; Maddie Christy, daughter of Greg and Michelle Christy; Grace De Haan, daughter of Brent and Patti De Haan; Kelsey Lang, daughter of Chris and Sherry Lang; and Kaylee Puttmann, daughter of Shannon and Kristen Puttmann.

Queen Ava and her Court will wear the authentic 1880s Protestant dress from South Beveland for this year’s festival. Queen Ava is wearing the formal dress and her Court is wearing the informal dress. This is the first time the informal costume has been introduced at Tulip Festival, as the Tulip Courts of 1981 and 1993 wore the formal South Beveland costumes.

The Court’s costume is made of a black woolen fabric, while Queen Ava’s is made from a black flowered brocade fabric. Queen Ava’s bib, or “buek” in Dutch, is made of a mulberry colored floral fabric, and the Court’s of a floral cotton fabric. The bib is covered by a scarf, or “doek,” made of the same fabric.

The costume’s skirts are covered by hand-shirred aprons, with Queen Ava’s apron made of a black woolen fabric and the Court’s made of a black and white striped cotton fabric. Queen Ava’s costume also includes a petticoat made of plain color flannel.

All five members of the Tulip Court wear an ear iron, or “oorijzer,” made of jewelry’s brass. A white under cap is worn over the ear iron. The most prominent piece of the hat is a rounded “hul,” held in place by pearl hat pins. Queen Ava’s is made of a white lace fabric and her Court’s are made from a white eyelet fabric. The hats are also adorned with two large, gold-head hat pins.

The South Beveland dresses are accessorized with red, five-strand necklaces and black velvet purses. Queen Ava also wears knitted arm warmers and a gold broach.

The 2016 Tulip Court also presented their traveling road show titled “Tournament of Tulips” for the first time. The road show, which the festival royalty wrote and will present to various organizations, schools and residential care facilities this spring, tells of the events and attractions at Tulip Festival and gives a detailed overview of their South Beveland costumes.

2016 Tulip Festival Extravaganza to be held March 16

February 18, 2016/in Press Releases/by Juliana Pennings

The annual Tulip Festival Extravaganza is set for Wednesday, March 16. The event will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Prairie Winds Event Center, and will feature a luncheon and program.

The province of Queen Ava Grossmann and her royal Court’s costumes will be revealed and they will present their traveling road show. In addition, the Tulip Festival Steering Committee will introduce the 2016 Parade Marshal.

Tickets for the event are $15 each through March 4, and $20 each beginning March 5. Tickets can be purchased at the Tulip Festival office.

Craft Show to take place during 2016 Tulip Festival

February 5, 2016/in Press Releases/by Juliana Pennings

The Tulip Festival Steering Committee is pleased to announce that a craft show will return to this year’s list of events during the festival. The craft show will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, in the basement of Iowa State Bank.

Individuals who create handmade, original crafts are invited to apply for the craft show, and are encouraged to include Dutch items as a portion of their items to sell. Only handmade, original items will be accepted into the show, and no food or beverage items will be accepted.

Applications for the craft show are open until March 15. Applications from individuals meeting the craft show requirements will be accepted on a first come, first served basis as space is limited. Individuals accepted will be notified by April 1, and an entry fee of $35 will be due by April 15 following acceptance.

For more information or to apply, visit the Craft Show Application page.

2016 Tulip Festival ticket sales begin February 1

January 21, 2016/in Press Releases/by Michael Kelly

Tickets for the 2016 Tulip Festival Extravaganza, Night Show and reserved parade seating will go on sale Monday, Feb. 1. Ticket sales will begin at 9 a.m. at the Orange City Tulip Festival/Chamber of Commerce office. The 76th annual Tulip Festival will take place May 19-21.

The annual Tulip Festival Extravaganza will take place Wednesday, March 16, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The event will include a luncheon and program at Prairie Winds Event Center. Tickets are $15 each through March 4, and $20 each beginning March 5.

Tickets for the 2016 Night Show, “West Side Story,” are $20 each. The production will take place at the Unity Christian Knight Center May 18-21, beginning at 8 p.m.

Reserved parade seats are $4 each. Seats are reserved beginning at 1 p.m. each day of the festival, and are reserved for Straat Feest, street scrubbing and the afternoon volksparade.

Value ticket books will also be available for purchase Feb. 1. The books include tickets to eight festival attractions and hold a value of $26, but are sold for $15 each.

All tickets for the Night Show and parade are reserved, and all are sold on a first come, first served basis. Questions can be directed to the Tulip Festival office at 712-707-4510, and more information can be found at www.octulipfestival.com.

“West Side Story” is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins. Book by Arthur Laurents. Music by Leonard Bernstein. Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Entire original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince by arrangement with Roger L. Stevens.

“West Side Story” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019. Phone: 212-541-4684. Fax: 212-397-4684. www. MTIShows.com

2016 Tulip Festival Night Show leadership team introduced

January 4, 2016/in Press Releases/by Juliana Pennings

2016 Night Show Leadership Team (L-R): Rebecca Donahue, Todd Vande Griend, Tom Hydeen and Victoria Karssen

The Tulip Festival Steering Committee is pleased to introduce the leadership team for the 2016 Night Show production of “West Side Story.” The show will take place May 18-21 at the Unity Christian Knight Center.

Todd Vande Griend, director, started his Night Show career in 1998 at age 12, and has been involved ever since. This show marks his 17^th Tulip Festival Night Show and his second time as director, previously directing “Fiddler on the Roof.” Todd has been on stage, behind stage, and in all aspects in-between, including as producer. “West Side Story” is quite challenging – full of raw emotion, wonderful music, and energetic dancing. He looks forward to getting practices underway, then watching the show develop into a Broadway production. “West Side Story” is a show you do not want to miss! Todd and his wife Mandy live in Alton with their three children, Kooper, Kipp, and Kasee, and their two dogs, Jaz and Bella. He thanks them in advance for allowing the Night Show to be his home away from home.

Tom Hydeen, music director, has participated in Night Show productions for most of his 33 years of living in Orange City. He has performed on stage, backstage, in the orchestra, and directed the orchestra. As music director, he enjoys working with volunteer musicians who are committed to presenting the best performance possible. Working with the music for “West Side Story” is not for the faint-of-heart: it presents some real challenges and opportunities. When all is said, done and practiced, it will have been well worth the effort. Tom and his wife Carla live in Orange City, and have three adult children and five grandchildren. Tom is presently a part-time staff member of First Reformed Church.

Rebecca Donahue, dance choreographer, graduated from Northwestern College in 2005 and made Orange City home. She is delighted to be choreographing her eighth Night Show, including “Bye Bye Birdie” which she also co-directed. Rebecca supports the arts many ways: as a six-year member of the Orange City Arts Council, as coach for the MOC-FV Dance Team, as dance class teacher at Northwestern College and other studios in the Orange City area, and more recently by establishing and teaching the Just For Kix franchise for which her students won several awards at the Together We Dance competition. Notably, she is founder of two annual events, Northwestern’s RUSH: A Student Dance Concert in 2005, and An Evening Of Dance – Orange City’s community dance event in 2010. Above all, she cherishes her role as a wife and stay-at-home mom to her beautiful two-year-old daughter.

Victoria Karssen, producer, has found that assisting with the hair and makeup crew, painting sets, co-producing, and now producing Night Show productions has been a fantastic way to get to know local talent. Favorites have been seeing her entire family in “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and husband Paul – who kissed Vic’s real-life best friend! – as Tommy in the delightful “Brigadoon!” Victoria graduated from Northwestern College in 2006 and serves as a Chaplain at Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City. She has served as committee chair for the Community Garden at ARC since 2009, and for the newly begun Meditation Garden at ARC. Her best roles are as mom to Amanda (Gus), Libby (Chris), and Matt, and being Nonni to Elena & Noah.

Tickets for the Night Show will go on sale for $20 each on Monday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. at the Orange City Tulip Festival/Chamber of Commerce office. Questions can be directed to the Tulip Festival office at 712-707-4510, and more information can be found at www.octulipfestival.com.

“West Side Story” is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins. Book by Arthur Laurents. Music by Leonard Bernstein. Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Entire original production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince by arrangement with Roger L. Stevens.

“West Side Story” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54^th Street, New York, NY 10019. Phone: 212-541-4684. Fax: 212-397-4684. www. MTIShows.com