The annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, one of the most magnificent floral displays in the Unites States of America! The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a perfect destination for either a day trip or a longer vacation for the Pacific Northwest, held from April 1-30. The Skagit Valley is located about 67.5 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Admire the vibrant, vast tulip fields on a leisurely stroll, and stop to chat with the tulip growers and purchase some eye-catching flowers. The beauty of the flowers truly transcends differences, bringing cultures, ages and diverse lifestyles together to marvel at nature's creation. As with all things governed by Mother Nature, the tulips bloom according to their own schedule sometime during the festival. This stunning spectacle is sure to amaze your senses!
Arriving at the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, you'll experience a spectacle of more than 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of brilliant, multi-colored tulip fields and gardens. The flower-viewing season begins with dainty yellow daffodils in mid- to late-March; a rainbow of tulips takes the stage in April. Irises and lilies follow, providing color well into the month of May.
HISTORY:
- The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival was officially inaugurated in 1984 by the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce directors Jerry Diggerness and Joan Houchen.
- In 1994 the Tulip Festival broke off from the Chamber of Commerce and became an entity of its own.
In addition to the flowers, festival visitors enjoy taking in one of the many events and activities that happen only during April. These too are scattered throughout the Skagit Valley. Today the festival boasts an amazing assortment of events like art shows, gala celebrations, concerts, tours of local shellfish and cheese operations and an open house at PACCAR. Two signature events have grown along with the festival the Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair and the Kiwanis Salmon Barbecue fundraisers for both organizations that have proven highly successful. There are lots of physical activities associated with the festival as well a run 20, 40 and 60 mile bike rides, and a youth basketball tournament.
While spring is clearly a popular time to visit, Skagit Valley is a great getaway all year round. The fertile valley and water views inspire many artists, giving rise to a number of shops and galleries. Located only an hour north of Seattle, the rural panoramas provide a convenient and relaxing escape from city life.
PARKING:
- There is plenty of parking at Tulip Town and RoozenGaarde and it is free. Look for the RoozenGaarde logo for other Official Parking areas. These lots are operated by Washington Bulb Company/RoozenGaarde. Parking in official lots is $5 per car; the ticket you receive from the parking attendant will also admit one person to RoozenGaarde on the same day. Private individuals sometimes operate their own lots fees paid to private parties will not work for admission to RoozenGaarde.
- The two display gardens, RoozenGaarde and Tulip Town, both have free parking adjacent to their facilities.
- Roadside parking is limited due to shoulder conditions and traffic safety regulations.
The tulips allow us to share our corner of the world and help us to showcase Skagit Valley agriculture. Come and see the flowers any time you would like as long as it is daylight!
Comments
Post a Comment