The 84th Tulip Time is here, and Thursday provided the kickoff to the 84th festival. Queen Olivia Vander Leest was officially crowned in the afternoon, followed by one parade after and the lighted Volks parade in the evening. Several thousand people have already made the trip to the Tulip City, with many more expected as the weather forecast has generally favorable conditions expected today and tomorrow. Some of those attending the festival celebrating Dutch heritage are residents of the Netherlands themselves — several high school students have been staying in Pella as part of a tradition.

The KRLS Big Red Radio is broadcasting updates about the celebration, including details about events, parking, food stands, as well as interviews with many of the people celebrating in the Tulip City.