Tulip Time Pella, IA Rally Recap
Apr 30-May 5, 2023
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Dates: | Apr 30-May 5, 2023 |
| Location: | Wallashuck Lake Red Rock Campground 890 190th Ave Pella, IA 50219 |
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| Hosts: | Anton and Carolyn Hol |
Thirty-four Born Free Leap'n Lions RV Club members came in 17 coaches from 14 states to the Wallashuck Campground on Red Rock Lake near Pella, IA to attend the Tulip Time Festival where the locals celebrate their heritage by planting some 300,000 tulips, wearing traditional Dutch costumes, eating Dutch food and participating in Dutch activities. The heavily wooded, rolling, and scenic campground had large spacious RV sites, an open shelter house and at times deer passing through. The weather was generally cool and unusually windy and the activity-packed rally was wonderfully hosted by North Central Regional VP Anton and Carolyn Hol who have called this area home for many years.
Due to the unexpected strong wind, our quick-thinking rally hosts promptly relocated the Sunday afternoon Meet & Greet from the shelter house to a large room in their lovely home a short distance away. There, they graciously welcomed all attendees, including 7 first-timers, and served up some delicious pizza and salad.
On Monday morning we piled into 3 vans and were off to tour Lely, a leading supplier of robotics and data management for dairy farmers. Then we traveled to Vermeer Corporation, a global manufacturer of industrial and agricultural machines, for a scrumptious box lunch and tour of their facilities. Tasssel Ridge Winery was our last stop. Later we had a tasty evening meal of choice, served from the Kaaswagen Food Truck, again back at the Hol's home because of the unusually high winds.
Tuesday found us at Opa's Barn that owner Randy Wineland built to preserve and show his large collection of antique woodworking tools and to tell the story of the area's rich carpentry heritage to the next generation. Then it was off to Pella to explore and shop with lunch on our own. Next, we returned to the campground to enjoy a potluck dinner at the open shelter house as the wind had now died down.
Wednesday's activities started with a wonderful Dutch Tea at Maria's Tea Room in Pella followed by a tour of the Scholte House built by Dominee (Minister) Hendrik "Henry" P. Scholte who led Dutch emigrants to the area in 1847 and founded Pella (Pella means City of Refuge). Lunch on your own was followed by a tour of the Historical Village and Vermeer Windmill (the tallest operating windmill in the US), and a city wagon tour. Next was a wonderful Dutch dinner accompanied by an excellent musical performance by students dressed in traditional Dutch attire at Central College.
Thursday morning we toured The drainEDGE Company, a producer of PVC field tile. Then attended the Tulip Time Festival and walked through the vendor section in the morning and in the afternoon attended the new queen coronation, traditional street washing, and watched the Tulip Time Parade consisting of colorful floats, marching bands, folks in traditional Dutch costumes, and more. Some returned in the evening to attend the Feesthouden and Evening Lighted Parade.
Friday after a breakfast of delightful Dutch pastries, coffee, and juice we thanked our rally hosts for hosting such a splendid rally and bid farewell. It was just a great place to be.
Prepared by Nick and Dee Dee McClain