Clymer’s Dutch Heritage Takes Center Stage During Tulip Festival

Clymer’s biannual Tulip Festival is set to return this year with something for everyone. Pictured is parade participants from 2022’s festival.
P-J file photo

CLYMER — The town of Clymer’s biannual Tulip Festival event is set to return this year, promising both new and old events for everyone.

Festival activities begin the night of May 17 with the Tulip Queen crowning and fireworks, along with the sausage and sauerkraut social. The rest of the festival’s activities take place on May 18. Familiar events include the Wooden Shoe 5K Walk/Run, with registration for that beginning at 8 a.m. in the Clymer Town Park Pavilion, the Clymer Library will be having a book sale, the craft/vendor show, kids zone, parade, and more.

Laurie Barringer, Tulip Festival Committee member who is also in charge of the Grand Parade, said there are new things to look forward to for the festival this year as well.

“We do have some new attractions coming this year, along with several favorites from years past,” Barringer said. ” New this year is the Saturday night event — we will be showing “Wonka” in the town park. This is the beginning of a new summer series of ‘Movies in the Park’ hosted by the Town of Clymer. The Little Red Schoolhouse, located at 7929 Clymer Center Road will be open this year for viewing, and you can pick up a Tulip Festival brochure to learn more.”

Additionally, Barringer said people should expect something for everyone. This includes activities for the kids like bounce houses, a petting zoo, carnival games, a magic show, and balloon animals.

“We have a variety of food trucks available this year, definitely something for everyone,” Barringer said. “Our craft and vendor show is full with a variety of local crafters and familiar vendors. The Grand Parade is starting off to be even more grand than in years past. The traditional Dutch dancing by both Klein/Children and Groat/Adult dancers will be performed in the morning on Saturday and in the Grand Parade.”

Barringer added that for the town of Clymer, the festival is a way to celebrate the heritage of the town every other year.

“The Tulip Festival is a great way to remember and celebrate our Dutch Heritage,” Barringer siad. “We enjoy ‘showing off’ our Dutch costumes and traditions.”

Tulip Festival brochures are available in many Clymer businesses and in some in the surrounding communities. For more information and contact information for anyone involved with this year’s Tulip Festival, see the Clymer Tulip Festival Facebook page.