While it is still just fall in south central Iowa, the City of Pella is already thinking ahead to the spring.

On Saturday morning, some of the fastest high school distance runners in Iowa helped the city in preparation for the 91st annual Tulip Time celebration this upcoming May. The Pella and Pella Christian cross country teams, fresh off of winning all four district titles at their respective State Qualifying meets this past Wednesday and Thursday, came together Saturday morning for the 14th consecutive year to plant 16,000 tulip bulbs in flower beds along Main Street. Pella Christian girls cross country runner Bailey Vos said that she enjoys the opportunity to join members of the Pella teams to help the community.

“It’s so fun. I love that we get to do it with the Pella team and it just shows how connected our community is, especially the community of runners and getting to support each other. We got to cheer each other on at our different state qualifying meets, so coming together and doing something like this that helps the community is a lot of fun.”

Bailey Vos Interview:

Pella girls cross country runner Kamry Trine added that it’s a fun time bonding ahead of their biggest races of the season.

“It’s so cool. We’re so excited to see what everyone can do at State, hopefully beyond State even. They’re just so great. We love this team, we have a good group of girls, and we have great team bonding here planting tulips.”

Kamry and Eden Trine interview:

All four varsity teams for the Dutch and Eagles will compete at the state meet this Friday in Fort Dodge. Over the last 14 years, City of Pella Parks Staff say that the cross country programs have planted roughly 230,000 tulip bulbs.