submitted by the West Michigan Tourist Association

Holland, MI-  Tulip Time Festival, Inc. is happy to announce the 2023 grand marshals for its’ parades. The Gentex Kinderparade co-grand marshals will be ODC Network and Gentex. The Quality Car Wash Volksparade co-grand marshals will be Frank Kraai and Judge Juanita Bocanegra. 

Continuing with tradition, the 94th annual Tulip Time festival will feature two celebratory parades: the Kinderparade and the Volksparade. Each year, Grand Marshals are selected to lead the parade in recognition of their leadership in our community. Grand Marshals for the 2023 Kinderparade are ODC Network and Gentex. Grand Marshals for the 2023 Volksparade are Mr. Frank Kraai and The Honorable Juanita Bocanegra.

This year’s Grand Marshals carry themes of vision, education, and mentorship woven through all four stories.

Gwen Auwerda, Tulip Time’s Executive Director, said, “We are thrilled to recognize the importance of education, specifically preschool education, and the partnership between ODC Network and Gentex. Frank Kraai is a treasure in this community, and we are honored to celebrate him and his contributions over the years. He had an immense impact on students when he was a teacher at West Ottawa, and Juanita Bocanegra is one of those students.”

The Kinderparade will be Thursday, May 11 at 2:00 pm, after the Tennant Street Scrubbing Parade which starts at 1:30 pm. It features elementary students in traditional Dutch costumes and celebrates Dutch heritage from arts to agriculture.

The Volksparade will be Saturday, May 13 at 2 pm. Many local businesses and nonprofits feature in floats and musical performances.

Experience Tulip Time at the 94th Festival, May 6 – 14, 2023. Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time Festival 2023 and tickets are available at www.TulipTime.com.