Sunny, warm spring day brings families to Canadian Tulip Festival

The Canadian Tulip Festival is seen by many as the unofficial launch of the festival season in Ottawa, and with warm weather over the weekend, people are soakin

It’s officially festival season in the nation’s capital.

The city is playing host to events happening all throughout Ottawa with thousands attending and many coming from out of town.

It’s even busier than usual on a sunny, warm weekend in Ottawa, with many taking in the sights and sounds of the festival season.

More than 300,000 tulips are planted in 26 gardens throughout Ottawa, with the festival honouring the historic relationship between Canada and the Netherlands during the Second World War.

“Canada actually played a really important role in the liberation of the Netherlands. We lost 7,600 boys in the fight for freedom,” said Jo Riding, the executive director of the Canadian Tulip Festival.

“At the same time here in Ottawa, we were hosting the Dutch Royal family, and the only royal person ever born in Canada was born two blocks from this festival site, Princess Margriet.”

For families, it’s a teachable moment of reflection.

“I think it’s a big milestone so it’s important to celebrate and recognize,” said Marie-Louise Letourneau, who was at the festival with her family.

“Lots of colours, lots of tulips, and lots of people,” said Karine Kulisch.

It’s a chance to share the history of an important relationship that continues to this day.

“Every year, the Dutch still send 10,000 tulips and actually 5,000 of them are planted in this bed right behind me,” Riding said.

“Being part of today’s celebration is very significant,” said Eric Booth, who is a retired member of the military.

“Having been to the Netherlands and seeing how appreciative the Dutch are to the Canadian veterans and Canadians in general, it’s very moving.”

Organizers expect up to 30,000 people to pass through the festival.

The city also playing host to several other events, including Ottawa’s Children’s Festival at Lansdowne Park. The 40th annual event includes theatre, workshops, food and dancing for kids.