The flowers that come from spring rains are many people’s favorite part of the season. Spring is truly when everything that was old and withered is new once again. While Holland has long been known as a powerhouse in the tulip industry, you don’t have to board a plane halfway around the world to see millions of tulips in all their brightly colored glory. You just have to get yourself to Washington state for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which runs April 1-30.
A brief History
Located in the northwestern portion of the state, Skagit Valley has been a purveyor of tulips since the 20th century. The first bulbs to be cultivated in 1906 were sourced from Holland, creating a small scale bulb production operation. Two decades later, that operation had grown into a large commercial venture. As a result, more residents of the area threw their hat into the tulip production ring. Today, two major growers are responsible for all the tulips that come from Skagit Valley.
People were immediately fascinated by the colors blooming all over Skagit Valley and drove to see it for themselves. As a result, Skagit Valley became an unofficial roadside attraction. In 1984, members of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce saw the need to provide some kind of structure around visits. As a result, a plethora of actives were created, aimed at educating the masses. These activities essentially started the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, although in just a decade the festival would become its own entity.
Originally a three-day festival, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival organizers saw that because tulip blooming is entirely dependent on weather, many people were missing the “real show.” The festival originally lasted 10 days, however, the last 5 years the festival runs all of April! Within this month, visitors are treated to vast fields of tulips in various stages of bloom, but the presence of flowers is a guarantee.
Main Attraction
During the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, visitors can of course explore the tulip fields. There are also a number of other activities proffered by organizers and the nearby towns of Mount Vernon. These include art shows and photo contests, charity walk/runs, bicycle tours, theatre, barbecues, and more. You can also visit all kinds of attractions outside the tulip fields, including a children’s museum, wineries, breweries, historical museums, fish markets, and naturally, a number of beautifully cultivated garden’s featuring the region’s most prized flower, among others.
When to Go
If you’re planning on attending the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, check out this resource. Armed with all kinds of practical and fun information on how to get there, you’re ready for a visit. Although the festival only runs through April 30, the tulip fields will continue to bloom well into summer, so make it a stop on your itinerary if you’re in the area!
Related articles: 5 Best Day Hikes in Washington also 5 of Washington’s Best Day Hikes
Featured Image from Esther Gorlee/Unsplash
