(Photo courtesy of The Sioux County Capital Democrat, Pluim Publishing Inc.)

The Tulip Festival Steering Committee invites adults, college-age and older, to participate in the Adult Dutch Dance portion of this year’s Straat Feest. Both new and returning dancers are welcome and encouraged to join.

Adult Dutch Dance practice dates are set for five Wednesday evenings, beginning in April. The dates include April 8, 15, 22, and 29, as well as May 6. Two Monday practices will also be held on May 4 and May 11. Each practice will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at the Orange City Town Hall.

“We’d love to have a record number of dancers join us this year,” says Kris McDonald, co-coordinator of the Adult Dutch Dancers. “We’re looking forward to another fun year of dancing!”

Authentic Dutch costumes are required for participants. Participants are encouraged to find their own dancing partner, but assistance will be provided if needed. Questions can be directed to Todd and Kris McDonald at 712-541-3636.

Queen Cara Venema and her royal Court wearing their authentic costumes from mid- to late 19th century Friesland.

Queen Cara and her Court will wear the authentic dress from mid- to late 19^th century Friesland for the 2015 Tulip Festival, as revealed at the Tulip Festival Extravaganza on March 18. This is the first time the Friesland costume from the era has been introduced at Tulip Festival.

Members of the 2015 Tulip Court are Queen Cara Venema, daughter of Dan and Tonya Venema; Jennifer Droog, daughter of Rick and Sue Droog; Sydney Huizenga, daughter of Darren and Dawn Huizenga; Micah Vande Vegte, daughter of Gary and Amy Vande Vegte; and Emily Wielenga, daughter of Kevin and Dixie Wielenga.

The costumes include voluminous, ankle-length skirts and fitted jackets that feature a v-shaped overlay, fitting over the apron. The Court members’ skirts and jackets are made from a cotton calico fabric, and Queen Cara’s are made of an eggplant-colored satin. The white aprons and shawls worn by the royal Court are lace-edged and feature hand-embroidered, authentic Dutch motifs. Queen Cara’s apron is made of a fine black lace and her shawl is fine white lace edged in lace trim.

The hats worn by the 2015 festival royalty are made of fine white lace that was pleated, starched and sewn to a crown of similar lace. Two gold filigree decorations adorn the Court members’ hats from the year 1900, while Queen Cara’s hat from the year 1860 is embellished with two gold hatpins and four gold filigree decorations.

The Friesland dress is accessorized with gold teardrop earrings, necklaces, bracelets and velvet purses that feature hand-beaded work.

The commissioned art piece by local artist John E. Vander Stelt was unveiled at the 2015 Tulip Festival Extravaganza on March 18.

The oil painting, entitled “A Faithful Walk,” features a father and son in the foreground, both of whom are wearing clothing from the province of Volendam. The father is carrying buckets of water with the assistance of a traditional yoke, while his son takes a curious peek inside a bucket.

“I wanted to paint a scene that would take a glimpse into the heritage of the community and of the festival,” says Vander Stelt.

The painting also features a Dutch windmill in the distance, highlighted by a recent sunset, and a long path on which the father and son are standing.

“The winding path connects and leads from the present where the father and son stand, to the past with roots in the Netherlands,” Vander Stelt describes.

Two options of prints of the work are available for purchase at the Tulip Festival office. The first option is a traditional print on sterling paper, 75 of which are signed and numbered by Vander Stelt. The paper is sized at 22”x22” and the print at 18”x 18.” The signed prints are $50 each and the unsigned prints are $30 each. Print number 1/75 will be framed and auctioned off at the grand opening of Stadscentrum later this spring.

A canvas print of the work, sized at either 24”x 24” for $275 or 30”x 30″ for $325 (plus shipping/handling), can also be ordered through through the Tulip Festival office.

Prints of the work can be ordered by calling the Tulip Festival office at 712-707-4510.

The original art piece, sized at 30”x 30,” will be on display at Stadscentrum during Tulip Festival.

The date for the annual Tulip Festival Extravaganza has been set for Wednesday, March 18. The event will take place from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Prairie Winds Event Center, and will feature a luncheon and program.

The province of Queen Cara Venema and her royal Court’s costumes will be revealed, and they will present their traveling road show. In addition, the Tulip Festival Steering Committee will introduce the 2015 Parade Marshal.

The commissioned art piece by local artist John E. Vander Stelt will also be unveiled at the Extravaganza. Prints of the piece will be available following the event, a limited number of which will be signed by Vander Stelt.

“We are looking forward to the Extravaganza with great anticipation,” says Arlyn Schaap, co-chairman of the Steering Committee. “The event is a wonderful way to begin the spring activities for the festival.”

Tickets for the event are $15 each through March 6, and $20 each beginning March 7. Tickets can be purchased at the Tulip Festival/Chamber of Commerce office.

The Tulip Festival Steering Committee is pleased to announce a commemorative art piece for the 2015 event, slated for May 14-16.

The artwork for the 75th annual Tulip Festival will be an oil painting by local artist John E. Vander Stelt. Vander Stelt, owner of Vander Stelt Studios in Maurice, Iowa, will reveal the painting at the Tulip Festival Extravaganza on Wednesday, March 18. Prints of the piece will be available following the event. The original painting will be on display in Stadscentrum during Tulip Festival.

“We are very much looking forward to the reveal of John’s painting, as we know it will capture a dynamic and historical aspect of the festival,” says Arlyn Schaap, co-chairman of the Steering Committee. “We are grateful for John’s willingness and ability to capture the true essence of our festival, as we celebrate 75 years of ‘Remembering Our Roots.’”

Much of Vander Stelt’s work can be found on his blog at johnvanderstelt.blogspot.com.