HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — After the 91st Tulip Time Festival, set for May 2–10, 2020, got cancelled on March 16, 2020 — in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — festival organizers got to work on how to fund next year’s festival.
This year, there’s no seed money from tickets for future events. This year, fundraising, like Tulip Time itself, will have to be virtual. Anyone who can donate is encouraged to do so via the official GoFundMe page, https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/tuliptime.
Gwen Auwerda, Tulip Time Festival’s executive director, told WHTC soon after the cancellation that next year’s festival depends on the financial suppport of the public.
Far from being a mere flower festival, Tulip TIme is an institutions that marks the opening of Michigan’s entire summer tourism season. In West Michigan, it’s the kick-off of a multi-million-dollar infusion supporting the Holland area’s travel, leisure and retail industries.
In a statment emailed to media, Tulip Time officials offered a simple plea: “We are reaching out to you, our community and international Tulip Time fans, with the hope that you value the tradition of Tulip Time. If you have ever experienced the joy of our festival or hopeto attend in the future, we ask you to donate and share this campaign.”
WHTC and 927 The Van are long-time sponsors of the Tulip Time Festival. Learn more at www.tuliptime.com. For those nostalgic for Tulip TIme fun, join WHTC and 927 The Van for a VIrtual Tulip Time experience: whtc.com/virtual-tulip-time.
