Blossoms and buds at Tulip Festival

Oregon is the greenest state, environmental-wise, tied with Vermont, according to a recent post at Forbes.com. And with the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, one can enjoy that greenery along with the rest of the color spectrum.

We recommend you keep things politically correct upon arrival at the festival, as you do have to stop and pay for entry. There are no signs posted on whether cigarettes or recreational marijuana is allowed in the festival, but we can tell you that drones are not, according to the sign. A dirt road takes you completely around the field, surrounding tents and buildings. Depending on day and time, parking can be easy or exactly like the scene from “Fried Green Tomatoes” when the old lady runs over a young girl’s car for stealing her parking spot.

Besides the many Porta Potties in cul-de-sac like areas, the field of tulips is most welcoming feature of everything the festival has to offer. Imagine ten rainbows on the ground side by side – that is what the field looks like. The best spot in the field to reflect on it all in is the far-left corner from the parking lot. Practically everyone else at the festival is too lazy to walk that far, making this corner the perfect spot to sit down, meditate, and practice some yoga in peace.

The field of tulips, ranging from dark purples to yellow and pink stripes, creates a tranquil scene. Online, one will read there are 118 different types of tulips at the festival. Looking across the field, Mount Hood is visible in the background, and the entire setting looks like Bob Ross painted the countryside. There comes a time – 30 minutes later, where the realization will strike that after taking in the amazing tulips, it is almost impossible to make it through them all, and it’s time to move on from the meadow. This will be hard, but rest assured, there are authentic tacos to be eaten.

Vendors at the festival range from food stands to jewelry smiths. Imagine a very small farmers’ market, mixed with the summer activities at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl and a 4H event. The festival has bratwurst, bungee trampolines, zip lines, fresh honey, a hot-air balloon, and most impressive, pony rides. With friends, one could easily bet on which pony will kick its child passenger off first.

Besides the extra vendors, the festival also has the option for visitors to buy tulip bulbs and bouquets. So, if people want their front yards to look like the field at the Wooden Shoe farm, they can easily purchase a number of different types of tulips, eitheron-site or online.

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival will remain open daily through May 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can choose to buy tickets for $5 a person, $20 for a five-person car, or a season pass for $40. Additional price options are on the farm’s website at woodenshoe.com, along with details on special events the facility will be holding.

Advocate Staff