A special preview performance of the 2016 Tulip Queen and Court has kicked off the annual celebration in Pella.

First Reformed Church has played host to the first showing for more than a decade. Tulip Queen Maria Bandstra says her court is excited to begin the process of showcasing Pella statewide over the next two months.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing what we’ve worked so hard on and presenting our program and traveling and showing what Tulip Time is like to other people,” she tells KNIA/KRLS News.

Carol Verhey says the girls will perform more than 30 times between now and the end of Tulip Time weekend.

The first public performance is March 29th at 7 p.m. in the Pella Community Center.

Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for coverage of the 81st Tulip Festival, which begins on Thursday, May 5th.