An important event occurring on April 30 in the Netherlands will be commemorated in Pella during the Tulip Time festivities. According to Dick Redmond with the Tulip Time Steering Committee, Queen Beatrix will abdicate the throne to her eldest son Willem Alexander, prince of the House of Orange. To honor and recognize the event, festival participants are asked to wear an orange ribbon. The ribbons are free and available at Hometown Variety, the Historical Society office, and the Vermeer Mill.