Frogs chirping in our backyard is a brief, telltale sign each year that summer is coming.
That, and Tulip Festival.
The Capital District was hit particularly hard this winter, and the following spring hasn’t provided much of a thaw either. The stranglehold this cold seems to have on the region has been the source for trepidation for fans of Tulip Fest’s main attraction: the tulips. A spring tradition continues when more than 100,000 tulip bulbs blossom into a sea of colors just in time for this Mother’s Day celebration in Washington Park.
This year, the question begs to be asked whether or not the tulips will come out in time.
“I actually spoke with the City Gardener, Jessica Morgan, this morning,” said Jason Bonafide, Public Relations Coordinator for the City of Albany’s Office of Special Events and Cultural Affairs. “It sounds as if we’re in great shape and many of the varieties will be in full bloom just in time for Tulip Festival. We’ll specifically be seeing some of the earlier blooming varieties that aren’t often up at Tulip Fest.”
Historic events take place annually, including the scrubbing of State Street, the tradition of the Tulip Queen Coronation, Tulip Queen and Court Luncheon and Royal Tulip Ball. As always, Saturday and Sunday will host children’s activities, craft vendors, delicious food and multiple stages with nationally acclaimed musical performances. Sunday’s events include the 17th Annual Mother of the Year Award.
Saturday afternoon features the crowning of the Albany Tulip Queen.
“We’ll be going,” said Dan Romand of Clifton Park. “Biggest memory for me was back in high school, going to see one of my friend’s sisters, who I had a major crush on, who was up for Tulip Queen.”
This year’s finalists consist of Selkrik resident Alexandra Cronin, Guilderland native Sarah Wilamowski, and Albany residents Morgan Elizabeth Heyward, Jacqueline Murphy and Eva Petkanas.
Nominees go through a competitive interview process and five finalists are chosen to attend the ceremony. One will be crowned the Queen and the other four will serve as the Tulip Court. The Tulip Queen and Court spend their year of reign involved in community projects.
