MOUNT VERNON — Tiptoe through the daffodils.
The fields are yellow and tulips are in the early stages of color at the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
Farms are open this weekend for the festival that runs the month of April.
“We are just starting to see some of that color,” festival director Nicole Roozen said. “The daffodils are in full bloom.”
The festival, in its 41st year, draws thousands. And plenty of traffic north of Snohomish County.
“It’s the Netherlands of the Northwest,” Roozen said.
Last year, April showers delayed the blooms until the middle of the month.
“We are on the earlier side. Last year we had a cold spring,” she said. “It is all dependent on the weather. If we get a few streaks of sunny warm days, that will speed up the progress.”
The gardens, RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, Tulip Valley Farms and Garden Rosalyn, range in size from 7 acres to 50 acres, with a multitude of tulips to admire, bulbs to buy and farm tours.
One ticket does not cover all four gardens. Each has separate admission prices, but average about $15 online or $20 at the door. Prices for kids vary. Most allow dogs on leashes, except at RoozenGaarde.
To avoid the crowds, go weekdays or during off-peak times on weekends.
“Get there first thing in the morning when the gardens open or closer to closing time,” Roozen said.
For more information, go to tulipfestival.org.
Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterbrown.
Tulip tidbits
The tulip parade is 2 p.m April 6 at the La Conner marina.
A free and family friendly hands-on tour of trucks and test labs is April 13 at PACCAR Technical Center, 12479 Farm To Market Road, Mount Vernon.
The 30th Annual Spring Garage Sale is April 12 and 13 at the Skagit County Fairgrounds.
Downtown Mount Vernon street fair is April 19, 20 and 21.
Tulip Tussle Pickleball Tournament is April 25 to 28 at Skagit Valley College.
Getting there
Many travelers take exit 226 into downtown Mount Vernon, which connects to shops and restaurants, and can get congested. An alternate route is exit 221 through Conway to enter the flower fields from the south.
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