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Though cold temperatures, strong winds and the occasional sprinkle certainly made for a dramatic turnaround from Thursday’s weather, it wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of the thousands of guests in Pella for the second day of the Tulip Time festival.

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Several all-day exhibits opened in the morning, including the 19th Annual Exhibition of Young Artists, which is set up in the Joan Kuyper Farver Art Gallery in the Pella Community Center, and features art in various media from local students.

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Another all day program was the Quilt Show in the Pella Opera House, which features quilts from the Pella Area Quilt Guild and is hosted by its members.

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Of course, Pella’s city tours ran again throughout the day, as visitors are escorted via tractor around the Tulip City to see the sights and learn about the community’s history and heritage.

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The cold, windy afternoon didn’t prevent plenty of smiles and waves from the parade, which was led by Bergemeester Randy Sikkema, who acts as the “mayor” of Tulip Time throughout the three-day festival.

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Of course children play an important part in the parades during Tulip Time, with some of the youngest making their Tulip Time debuts in the baby parade, while some of the other girls ride about the future Tulip Queen float.
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Another all-day event, the Red Rock Thresher’s Tractors Antique Equipment Display, features scores of pieces of farm machinery from yesteryear, and is located in the parking lot near the new Pella Chamber of Commerce office on Washington Street.
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The third and final day of Tulip Time is Saturday, with many more highlights to be seen, including the setting of a world record for the most Dutch Dancers wearing wooden shoes.