The Orange City Tulip Festival is pleased to announce Tom Hydeen as the 2025 Parade Marshal. A familiar face in the community and a dedicated Festival volunteer for over four decades, Tom’s enthusiasm, humor, and deep commitment to the Tulip Festival have made a lasting impact.
Originally from Minnesota, Tom moved to Orange City in 1982 with his wife, Carla, and their young son, Steven, when he joined the staff at First Reformed Church. Daughters Erika and Christa were born and raised in Orange City; what was meant to be a five-year stay turned into 42 years—and counting!
Tom quickly embraced the spirit of the Tulip Festival, joining the adult Dutch Dancers in his early years. Tom shared, “Rather quickly, I became aware of an attitude that pervades the Festival. When it comes to getting involved in the Festival, it doesn’t matter who a person is, their name, or what connections they have or lack. They are welcome to participate and make the Festival better because they are involved.”
Since then, he has become a Festival fixture, participating in countless ways, including the Night Show, where he spent 35 years either backstage, in the orchestra, or directing the orchestra. His first show was My Fair Lady in 1984.
His favorite production? State Fair, when he played Abel Frake alongside his real-life son Steven. In its second year of running, his daughter Erika reigned as Tulip Queen.
Beyond the stage, Tom has tried his hand at a variety of Festival roles—with some more successful than others. He quickly learned that being a Pedi-cab driver was no easy feat, struggled with left and right as a bus tour guide, and even shed a little blood while attempting to carve wooden shoes. However, he found his stride as a host on the horse-drawn trolley, a member of the beloved Fietsen Zangers (Bicycle Singers), and an attendant of the historic street organ in Staadcentrum.
Through it all, Tom has witnessed the Festival’s welcoming spirit, where participation is open to all—regardless of background, connections, or even Dutch heritage. His humor, passion, and willingness to dive into new experiences embody the heart of what makes the Tulip Festival so special.
Now, after years of klompen dancing, singing, storytelling, and entertaining Festival guests, Tom is honored to serve as the 2025 Parade Marshal. And for Carla, his ever-supportive wife, the best reward may finally be here—a well-earned ride in the white carriage!
