Site icon Tinybeans

7 Ways to Bring the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival to You

Is it really even April in Washington without the Tulip Festival? Coronavirus or not, Seattle families need their tulip fix. So if you’re jonesing for vibrant blooms, growing in muddy fields, set against blue skies, read on to find out how to recreate the tulip festival experience at home.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips Virtually

Kalyn Gustafson

You won’t be able to feel the muddy ground beneath your boots at the Tulip Festival this year, but you can still experience its sights and sounds. Wander the fields and hear updates about the flowers with Tulip Town’s daily Facebook live tour. Tune in to see what’s blooming!

Enter the Tulip Festival Coloring Contest

Kylie Kirkland

Break out the crayons because it’s time for a coloring contest. Print out the 2020 Tulip Festival coloring page and let your kids bring it to life, with the bright colors of spring. Put your kiddo’s name, age and phone number on it and then drop it in the mail before April 20th for a chance to win a gift basket. Here’s where you need to send it:

La Conner Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1610
La Conner, WA 98257

Order Fresh-Cut Tulips or Bulbs

Elizabeth Park

Brighten your day (or someone else's) with an order of fresh-cut tulips delivered straight to your door from RoozenGaarde or Tulip Town. Now is also the time to order bulbs to plant this fall. When they bloom next spring, they’ll be a beautiful reminder of this unusual time.

Spread the Love

Tanya Hayes

Take part in Tulip Town’s Color For Courage campaign to help spread joy during this tumultuous time. For $15, you can donate a tulip bouquet to hospitals, nursing homes and other community organizations to say thanks and take care. We’re not crying, you’re crying.

Cook Calico Cupboard Comfort Food

Meredith Browand

If you look forward to getting oversized baked goods at Calico Cupboard after viewing the tulips almost as much as you look forward to seeing the blooms, we’re right there with you. That’s why we’re stoked Calico Cupboard is sharing comfort recipes families can recreate at home. Find the recipe for Calico’s Tasty Tomato Soup and Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese on their Facebook feed. Then, follow it up with a pan of their Fudgy Wudgy Bars you can find on the Love La Conner’s Facebook feed. (Psst… you'll need to scroll through to find them.)

Brighten Your Decor

Carla Gawthrop

Add bright colors to your at-home days with this year’s 2020 Tulip Festival poster, designed by artist Jennifer Bowman. It’s an easy way to celebrate the festival when you can’t be there.

Take Prize-Worthy Photos

Anika Blake

While you won't be able to snap the cutest ever pics of your kids posed in front of the tulip fields, muddy boots and all, North Coast Credit Union is sponsoring a Skagit Valley Tulip Festival photo contest, open to amateur photogs everywhere. With fun categories like Celebrating the Tulip Bloom While Social Distancing and Beauty & the Tulips (close-up shots), you've got all the excuse you need to find spring blooms in your yard, garden or neighborhood. So snap away and be sure to submit your entries via email before April 30.

—Allison Sutcliffe

RELATED STORIES:

17 Online Classes & Activities for Seattle Kids

How to Visit Your Favorite Seattle Spots from Home

The Kindness Activity Book Seattle Families Need Right Now

Co-Working with Kids? 7 Practical Tips to Sharing Space

This is How You Can Support Local Seattle Businesses Right Now