Pella is in full bloom this weekend for its annual tulip festival. Patsy Sadler of the Pella Historical Society says the weather has been perfect — and that’s led to a good crop of the featured flower. She says there’s over 200-thousand tulips in bloom. Sadler says the tulips are just part of the event as there’s also ongoing tours of the historical village.

Sadler says you can tour the Vermeer Mill,, a replica of an authentic 1850 Dutch grain grinding windmill, the Scholte Garden, the Scholte House home of the founder is open, along with other sites and “food stands galore.”

Sadler says there’s plenty happening daily on the main street. She says it features the Queen and her court, the scrubbing of the streets and the Parade of the Province Dutch costume show, along with two parades a day. Sadler says it’s very busy, but she says it’s easy to get around.

She says they have 100-thousand visitors, but that’s spread out over the week. Sadler says, “It’s very much a manageable crowd.” Sadler says the volunteers that run the festival love to see the big crowds. She says, “You know we’ve been doing this for 71 years, we’re getting it down to a science I think.” The activities continue through this weekend.