The pageantry of 19th century Holland fills the streets as townspeople, adorned in authentic costumes, sing and dance in a lively performance for thousands of visitors each day. Each costume tells a story of our family province and occupation.
Our goal with each costume is to preserve its authenticity and history. You’ll notice many families wearing costumes from the province of their family origin. These costumes are handed down from generation to generation.
A number of patterns are stored in the Orange City Library. Most of these patterns are simply constructed and less expensive to make. The more intricate and complicated costume patterns that have required a great deal of research are stored in the Little White Store and owned by the Dutch Pattern Committee. Please contact the costume consultants below to discuss these patterns.
Denise De Vries 712-737-4725
Marlys Hop 712-737-4331
If you are interested in having a Dutch costume made, below is a list of local seamstresses:
Shirley Van Wechel 712-737-7694
Kari Broadway 712-441-5502
LeeAnn Smit 712-737-2434 (boys’ costumes for rent only)
Mary Oleson 712-395-0550 (also has many costumes of various sizes available for rent)
Wendy Eason 712-737-3268
Jeanine Oolman 712-737-4749
Alison Kamp 712-251-4162
Amanda Haverdink 712-360-0054
Barb Alsum 712-756-4500 (hats only)
Annual Costume Exchange
The 2018 Tulip Festival Dutch costume exchange is set for Wednesday, Apr. 4. The event will take place from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Stadscentrum, located on the corner of Central Avenue and Second Street North in Orange City.
Individuals interested in selling Dutch costumes can bring them to the Orange City Tulip Festival office, located at 509 8th Street SE, on Monday, Apr. 2 or Tuesday, Apr. 3.
Sellers should determine the price of their costumes and are asked to print and fill out the seller’s form. Please note that the Tulip Festival Steering Committee only accepts authentic Dutch costumes for the exchange.
Individuals interested in purchasing Dutch costumes don’t need to have an authentic Dutch costume to sell, and individuals interested in selling authentic Dutch costumes don’t need to purchase others.
A variety of costumes will be available for purchase for children and adults.
Questions about the Dutch costume exchange can be directed to the Tulip Festival office at 712-707-4510.
