Thousands of people are expected to converge on the Tulip City between now and Sunday morning for the 82nd annual Tulip Festival.

Early bird activities begin today, with tours of the Pella Historical Village, Tuttle Cabin, Scholte House, Vermeer Museum, and Pella Rolscreen Museum all open for varying hours.

Pella’s Ceremonial Mayor during the festival Randy Sikkema, also known as the Burgemeester, tells KNIA/KRLS News full activities begin Thursday, and that he’s excited each year to welcome visitors and citizens alike to the celebration.

The Tulip Time Steering Committee is reminding those hoping to reserve parade spots about a new policy preventing those who intend to camp at a particular location for all three days. Any items left on the curb along the parade route after the evening Volks Parade will be removed, and spots will not be available until 6 a.m. each morning.

Most downtown events for Tulip Time begin each morning at 8:30 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday. Find a full schedule of Tulip Time activities here.