Parade Participation
Thousands of spectators line the streets of downtown Holland to watch amazing marching bands, Dutch Dancers, floats and numerous organizations present their finest in over two miles of pure celebration. Participation in the Tulip Time Festival parades is a great way for an organization, marching band, or company to “Join the Dance” in one of the nation’s Top 100 festivals. The Festival parades are some of the largest and most spectacular events in Michigan.
Thursday, May 11, 2023
People from near and far will be invited to don their Dutch costumes, grab a bucket and a broom, and scrub the streets clean for the coming performances. Town officials will walk through with their ceremonial white glove inspection to approve the streets for the parade and when the town crier officially announces the official's approval, the parade will start.
Elementary school children will line up with their teachers and school administrators in full costume and smiling faces as they march together through downtown Holland. Each school and grade will have their own theme that nods to the towns’ Dutch heritage, from Dutch agriculture to the Dutch Master’s painters. The unique Dutch Dogs on Parade get in on the excitement too! Floats, bands, organizations and businesses join in with their Tulip Time inspired entries for an awesome celebration.
** In the event of severe weather, the Gentex Kinderparade will be canceled and no rain delay will be planned.
Tulip Time’s primary concern with parades is the safety of the general public and parade participants, especially the children participating in the Kinderparade. Tulip Time coordinates with public safety resources from multiple communities to ensure the safety and proper coordination of a full parade. From our Executive Director, Gwen Auwerda, “Parades of this size require significant resources, not just from Tulip Time, but from partners across our communities, including volunteers, public safety, and city resources. Especially in today’s world, ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors is a priority, and what was required in the past to ensure safety has changed; more services are needed. We’re still rebuilding in a post-COVID era, and that includes putting the proper support in place for parades.”
*** Please note: Thursday’s line up time for all divisions is 12:30pm***
Click here for the 2023 kinderparade lineup
Click here for the Kinderparade end of parade map
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Dozens of bands from West Michigan middle and high schools showcase their talents through downtown Holland. Floats, organizations and businesses join in with their Tulip Time inspired entries for an awesome celebration.
Click here for the 2023 Volksparade lineup
Click here for the Volksparade end of parade map
Click here for division lineup maps
Click here to download general parade guidelines
Click here to download band parade guidelines
PARADE PARTICIPATION APPLICATIONS:
Parade applications are closed for 2023.
If you have any questions about the guidelines or application process, please contact Kim Vandermolen at kim@tuliptime.com or 800-822-2770 ext. 104
Parades are televised locally, as well as covered live on WHTC, Holland’s Hometown Station.
