Tiptoe Through the Tulips

Every fall for dozens of years, the City of Boulder has planted 15,000 tulip bulbs that begin to peep their heads above the ground each spring, heralding the end of winter. And since 2002, downtown Boulder has hosted Tulip Time, a celebration of the blooms that culminates each year in the Tulip Fairy and Elf Parade.

“It’s a really popular family event, especially with kids,” notes Tulip Time’s Lib Ilderton. “Little girls dress up as fairies with wings, and the little boys are elves. We have a tulip fairy who christens the kids with fairy dust — it’s a whole routine. And it’s so pretty, because we have so many tulips in bloom, and about that time, they’re basically at their peak.”

Gather on the 1100 block of Pearl Street in Boulder today at 2 p.m. to watch (or participate in) the march down to the St. Julien Hotel, where a parade reception will be held with a gazebo, treats, a live band playing kid-friendly music, and, of course, more stunning tulips among which attendees can frolic. “It’s a great people-watching event,” adds Ilderton, so don’t forget to add a pinch of magic in the form of a costume. The parade and reception are free; visit www.boulderdowntown.com/events/go/2472 for information.
Sun., April 26, 2 p.m., 2009