HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — the 90th Annual Tulip Time Festival’s fireworks seemed threatened by rain. But festival organizers held steady that they would go on — barring a true deluge or lightning.
at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019, Kollen Park seemed empty, except for a line of food booths interspersed with pop-up tents covering tables for area businesses, especially recruitment firms.
Holland police clustered near the north parking lot before sinning brightly colored vests or long raincoats and dispersing into the park and to traffic assignments. Sgt Dan Kender said people should take care crossing Van Realte Avenue, because drivers won’t be expecting pedestrians.
More than two dozen American Red Cross volunteers clustered near the first aid tent, themselves ready to patrol the park, and help those with minor injuries, medical emergencies, or get lost children reunited with family members. Mary Parchert, medical events coordinator, said the Red Cross volunteers work during Tulip Time, the Fourth of July celebration, Grand Haven’s Coast Guard Festival, and the Civil War re-enactment muster, as well as turning out to support police and fire during large emergencies.
