Pella tulip queen, court visit Iowa Senate

DES MOINES — The 2011 Pella Tulip Time Queen and her court were the guests of Sen. Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) in the Iowa Senate on Tuesday.

The royalty provided Dutch treats to members of the Senate while Sen. McKinley introduced them and urged all members of the Senate to make the trip to Pella to enjoy Tulip Time on May 5, 6 and 7.

“I am very proud to represent the city of Pella here in the Iowa Senate and am absolutely delighted to have the 2011 Pella Tulip Time Queen and Court here this morning,” McKinley said. “It is always wonderful when our communities all across Iowa come together and celebrate their heritage and commemorate their history. The Dutch heritage and customs passed on through generations are still alive and well in Pella. I would like to invite each and every one of you to join me this year to take part in this wonderful festival.”

Thousands of tulips have been planted, and the citizens of Pella and Marion County are readying their wooden shoes in anticipation of the 76th annual Pella Tulip Time, which will be on May 5, 6 and 7. The theme for this year is “Tulip Time: A Real Dutch Treat.”

“Pella Tulip Time is truly is one of the real cultural gems we have in Iowa,” McKinley said.