Daffodils, tulips will bloom; festivals still iffy

 

February 3, 2021

used with permission of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Daffodils will begin blooming in March. Tulips will arrive in April.

Whether tourists will be allowed to follow is up in the air.

“What we’re telling people is, we know we’ll be open, we just don’t know yet what the regulations will allow,” said Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Executive Director Cindy Verge.

Some things are certain. There will be a Tulip Festival brochure that includes a map of daffodil and tulip fields. There will not be a Mount Vernon Kiwanis managed salmon barbecue. “There are way too many unknowns, and Kiwanis barbecue volunteers are largely from high-risk groups,” said Verge.

Yes to the Tulip Pedal Bike Ride that begins at La Conner Middle School – a socially distanced event that sees people bicycle from 20 to 60 miles alone or in small groups.

Yes to the La Conner Kiwanis Craft Fair on March 6. Besides vendors, Kiwanis volunteers will sell daffodils and smoked salmon.


Yes to the La Conner Chamber of Commerce’s photography contest. This year prizes will be awarded in three categories: kids, teens and adults.

Yes to expanded Tulip-themed merchandise. You can buy yourself an official Tulip Festival mask and even an official CBD (Cannabidiol) product.

Yes to the young Tulip Ambassadors selected for the 2020 season, who fervently hope they can finally carry out their duties.

Much depends on what COVID-19 Recovery Phase Skagit County finds itself in. In Phase 2, up to 200 people can gather in a public garden. But Roozengaarde and Tulip Town are private entities that make their own decisions. Verge says the businesses, not the Festival, determine what they will allow.


changing images of vegetables

Chamber of Commerce director Heather Carter knows people are eager to get out for a day trip to the flowers, but she will respect whatever the growers say.

“This month my message is, ‘hey all you Tulip fans, if you are in western Washington, help us get to Phase 2 or higher, and then we can have a more robust festival for you,” said Verge. “Things are getting better, but we aren’t out of the woods yet.”

 

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