Tulips

In the two years I've lived here in NW Iowa, I have been seriously lamenting the dearth of culture in this area. O'Brien County just ain't where it's at to celebrate the joy and beauty of life.

But my outlook on this area got a big improvement when we spent last Saturday at the annual Tulip Festival in Orange City. It is a beautiful event in a beautiful town.

I knew from having been in Dutch villages in America that it wasn't going to be like attending a real festival in Holland, which I have done. I had to chuckle, even though I knew there would be no Cannabis Cafe's or half-litre mugs of Heineken Pilsener in a sidewalk pub in Orange City to while away the time. It is my understanding that, shall we say, some of the more liberal aspects of Dutch politics did not survive the transatlantic journey to the New World (at least in public).

But the Iowa Dutch are proud of their culture, and they show it. There were a great many men, women, and young folk proudly displaying their beautiful hand-made Dutch costumes, complete with clomp-y wooden shoes. An educational and entertaining parade displayed the varying traditional dress of the different Dutch provinces, as well as traditional children's games and dances, and dances featuring the adults. Also in the parade were many beautiful floats, outstanding marching bands (especially the MOC-Floyd Valley Marching Dutchmen with their traditional costumes and wooden shoes), and visiting dignitaries. And you simply can not ignore all the lovely Dutch honeys gracing the festival with their bright smiles and Dutch finery. It wouldn't be me if I didn't mention that.

A several-square-block area was closed off for the festivities, and it made for an enjoyable leisure stroll through the shops, the parks, the artists' area, the many food vendors, and of course the tulip gardens. The Native American new-age group Brule put on another one of their marvelous performances with their native dancers; although if you want to get technical they really didn't culturally match with the Dutch theme, I suppose the organizers figured they would still be a major draw, and they were.

So I tip my hat to the people in OC who work hard all year long to bring us this wonderful celebration of their culture. A job well-done by all; even without the Heineken Pilsener.