The journey for the 2026 Tulip Queen and Royal Court is underway with their first official group activity setting the path for a spring bloom. Queen Kenzie Kanis and Court Members Abbie Brand, Lexi Terpstra, Addie Van Arendonk, and Riley Braafhart planted bulbs in two flower beds in Central Park near the Information Windmill on Wednesday, which has become a tradition to close out the City of Pella’s annual planting efforts.

Queen Kenzie discusses first activity:

Parks Director Chandler Nunnikhoven says city staff and supporting volunteers will have 120,000 bulbs ready for the annual bloom in April and May. The Tulip Queen and Royal Court make their first public appearance annually at the Sinterklaas parade and festivities on Saturday, December 6th at 10 a.m.