Iowa Springtime Tradition-Tulip Time Festival-Pella May 6, 7 & 8

A year ago, it was a non-stop barrage of spring and summer events being canceled due to the pandemic. Now, a year later, it's the exact opposite, with many fun events announcing that they are back. One of those is an Iowa springtime tradition, the Tulip Time Festival in Pella.

After last year's festivities got canceled, residents of this town of about 10,000 people (about 2 hours south of the Cedar Valley) are excited to welcome visitors back for the this year's festival that will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 6, 7 and 8, 2021.

According to a press release, festival organizers have made modifications to the festival this year in an effort to keep people safe and well, based on guidelines set by health officials. These efforts include spacing out vendors and activities, additional sanitizing stations and encouraging social distancing and masks.

One of the changes is the traditional parades, that are very popular, (drawing tens of thousands of people along the city streets) are not happening this year. They been replaced by a "walking" parade, where you can see classic floats on display, new attractions, and pop-up happenings throughout the three days of the festival.

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Don't let no parades discourage you, there's still over 125,000 tulips to explore, along with a guided city tour,  experience the Historical Village, see Dutch dancing and costumes around the town and during the grandstand shows, and don't forget, all of the great food!  Plus, there'll be a fireworks display capping off the evening on Friday night.

Check out the video, then scroll down for more information and photos of some of the stunning tulips from last year.