Tulip Queen & Court
The Pella Tulip Time Royal Court is the ambassador for Pella's Tulip Festival. The Court consists of the Tulip Queen and her four attendants. The Queen also chooses two pages and two flower girls to join the Court during the festival in May.
How are the Queen and Court chosen?
Senior girls from the community are nominated by Pella residents, followed by a town-wide vote to select the top twelve finalists. The candidates prepare for a night of interviewing and presentations before 30-36 judges. Each candidate first interviews with the judges in small groups. Next is the public performance, where each finalist gives a presentation of a talent or interest that depicts her personality. She will also be interviewed by the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, including an impromptu question. After the tallying of ballots from both the interviews and the public performances, the Tulip Queen and Court are announced.
What do the Queen and Court do?
Working with a committee affectionately known as the "Court Moms," the Queen and Court prepare a program and hone their interviewing skills throughout the winter. In the spring, they make dozens of appearances to promote Pella’s Tulip Festival. This includes the Capitol, local media stations, civic organizations, and more. The pinnacle of their reign is hosting thousands of tourists at the May festival. Additionally, after hosting the Orange City Royal Court in Pella, the Pella Court then travels to Orange City, Iowa, two weeks later to enjoy our sister town’s festival.
Why participate?
Participants in the Tulip Time Royal Court grow in many ways. The young women grow in leadership, communication and organizational skills, public speaking, relationship-building, and much more. All of these skills are beneficial throughout their lives! Additionally, being a part of the Court gives members a deeper appreciation for their town, their families, and their heritage.
Can the Tulip Queen and Court appear at or perform for my group or event?
Due to their busy schedules, the Tulip Court is limited in how many appearances they can make. If your business or organization is interested in hosting the Court, please email info@pellahistorical.com for the Tulip Time Steering Committee to consider your request.
Pella's Tulip Queens and Courts
2025 Queen Addison Bandstra
Attendants Maggie Heinen, Lyndi Schulte, Ella Van Waardhuizen, Claire Westerkamp
2024 Queen Mia Andringa
Attendants: Claire Braafhart, Olivia Cunningham, Alexa Klein, Ellison Ritzert
2023 Queen Cheyne Plants
Attendants: Tatum Carlstone, Anna DeNooy, Avery Verhoef, Ellie Wogen
2022 Queen Sarah Gritters
Attendants: Emily Buckingham, Kelly Dykema, Ashley Uitermarkt, Trinity Vos
2021 Queen Alyssa Geetings
Attendants: Tessa Brouwer, Olivia De Haan-Burch, Ashley Holdman, Hannah Tschetter
2020 Queen Hanna Kendall
Attendants: Molly Bolt, Courtney Chaplin, Jocelyn Gritters, Ellie Roorda
2019 Queen Olivia Vander Leest
Attendants: Mary Kate Bandstra, Isabella Baugh, Camryn Huyser, Emily Schreur
2018 Queen Juliana Van Gorp
Attendants: Elise Beukelman, Lexi De Jong, Naomi Tripp, Tressa Vos
2017 Queen Halle Van Vark
Attendants: Jessa Bokhoven, Hannah Emmert, Jennifer Van Haaften, Sophia Steenhoek
2016 Queen Maria Bandstra
Attendants: Taylor Bolt, Shanae De Haan Burch, Elyse Parisee, Anne Williamson
2015 Queen Eleanor Witt
Attendants: Megan Atkins, Emily Van Gorp, Jessica Vos, Leah Wilborn
2014 Queen Leah Blankespoor
Attendants: Mariah Eekhoff, Rachel Mueller, Sarah Muller, Faith Van Wyngarden
2013 Queen Marlee Bokhoven
Attendants: Elizabeth De Wolf, Kate Roozeboom, Erica Schulte, Heather Van Wyk
2012 Queen Alexa Zylstra
Attendants: Kelly Anderson, Hanna Martin, Sarah Van Maanen, Taylor Van Woerkom
2011 Queen Tricia Wisniewski
Attendants: Leah Engelbrecht, Rachel Greving, Karissa Schaudt, Kristi Van Wyk
2010 Queen Heidi Schulte
Attendants: Morgan Anderson, Courtney Kelderman, Bekah Posthuma, Sara Van Gorp
2009 Queen Morgan Kuiper
Attendants: Leah Dykstra, Karlie Monsma, Rachel Van Gorp, Aemelia Tripp
2008 Queen Allyson Huffman
Attendants: Cassidy Mejia, Robin Sadler, Nikki Sikkema, Emily Van Woerkom
2007 Queen Allison Vande Zande
Attendants: Katie Fetterman, Alison Muller, Sarah Slings, Katie Williamson
2006 Queen Leah Nieboer
Attendants: Lexi Kanis, Liesel Schroder, Sierra Smith, Laurel Van Dusseldorp
2005 Queen Marie Bruns
Attendants: Sara Steenhoek, Jennifer Van Ee, Ashley Van Soelen, Jill Van Vark
2004 Queen Jenni Van Wyk
Attendants: Alexis Baugh, Lindsay Graham, Megan McCombs, Katie Ozinga
2003 Queen Ashley Braun
Attendants: Katie Kniff, Amy Laug, Tiffany Pol, Elizabeth Terborg
2002 Queen Hillary Recker
Attendants: Amy Van Hall, Heather Vande Lune, Andrea Vander Wilt, Sarah Way
2001 Queen Randa Van Rheenen
Attendants: Orpah Schiebout, Jessica Van Zee, Jawnica Vaverka, Molly Vermeer
2000 Queen Jessie Kraayenbrink
Attendants: Kimberly De Bruin, Melanie De Nooy, Amy Jones, Stephanie Roozeboom
1999 Queen Elizabeth Schepel
Attendants: Rachel Henderson, Lindsey Kraayenbrink, Amy Steenhoek, Jessica Van Ee
1998 Queen Gina Bandstra
Attendants: Leah DeBoef, Angela Harms, Sharesa Olson, Suzanne Van Roekel
1997 Queen Jeanna Redman
Attendants: Sybil Sullivan, Carrie Van Maanen, Crystal Van Haaften, Shalene Van Wyk
1996 Queen Jill Verhey
Attendants: Allison Mulder, Livija Shannon, Julie Steenhoek, Crystal Vander Waal
1995 Queen Shanon Gutierrez
Attendants: Kara De Haan, Lynne Van Roekel, Jill Van Wyk, Teresa Zuidema
1994 Queen Tara Baar
Attendants: Lisa Blankespoor, Lisa Brass, Sarah Rinsema, Melanie Vernooy
1993 Queen Amy Vroom
Attendants: Michele Uitermarkt, Angie Van Arendonk, Darcy Vande Lune, Karin Vander Ploeg
1992 Queen Betsy Brandl
Attendants: Angie Ryken, Amy Van Vark, Amy Vander Werf, Heidi Vermeer
1991 Queen Jennifer Vander Werf
Attendants: Desha Craver, Alicia Dieleman, Ronda Goemaat, Mary Ver Ploeg
1990 Queen Heather Heiting
Attendants: Jill Dieleman, Holly Gosselink, Michelle Poortinga, Kelly Pothoven
1989 Queen Sophie Falcon
Attendants: Angie Dieleman, Tricia Steenhoek, Julie Vander Ploeg, Heather Wegter
1988 Queen Tonya Van Wyk
Attendants: Jennifer Brandl, Jaci Ryken, Elizabeth Smiley, Kim Van Dalen
1987 Queen Patti De Nooy
Attendants: Julie Bogaards, Paula Jo Malin, Leslie Quade, Jill Van Zee
1986 Queen LeAnn Vander Hart
Attendants: Christy Blom, Jodi Den Adel, Kim Duven, Kendra Van Dalen
1985 Queen Geselle Mulder
Attendants: Sandy Gosselink, Kelli Kredit, Stephanie Te Ronde, Glenda Vander Waal
1984 Queen Beth Boomsma
Attendants: Patti Beintema, Julie De Reus, Carol Rooda, Julie Vander Wilt
1983 Queen Brenda Boomsma
Attendants: Christi Koopman, Amber Terpstra, Lisa Van Rheenen, Lucia Vande Kamp
1982 Queen Nancy Thies
Attendants: LeeAnn De Reus, Rosie Van Wyk, Lori Vander Leest, Ann Ver Meer
1981 Queen Kathleen Lucas
Attendants: Sandy De Zwarte, Val Newendorp, Laura Rozenboom, Lori Vroom
1980 Queen Monica May
Attendants: Andrea Busker, Renee De Boef, Patti Monsma, Norma Stursma
1979 Queen Marla Nieuwsma
Attendants: Becky Rietveld, Pam Ruiter, Lois Ryken, Julie Van Gorp
1978 Queen Mindy Roozeboom
Attendants: Bev Gritters, Julie Sadler, Wendy Van Zee, Carol Vander Leest
1977 Queen Kathy Thies
Attendants: Cindy DeJong, Jennifer Hoekstra, Carol Kanis, Lorene Rook
1976 Queen Ruth Van Gorp
Attendants: Vicki Beyers, Jaci Evers, Deb Kooyman, Lori Van Gorp
1975 Queen Carol Kuyper
Attendants: Lynn Hinga, Connie Jaarsma, Cassie Van Zee, Mary Vander Ploeg
1974 Queen Karla De Cook
Attendants: Peggy Engbers, Kim Renskers, Lola Vander Leest, Jaci Vander Wert
1973 Queen Marceta Roberts
Attendants: Kristy Engbers, Ruth Hagens, Marcey Overman, Beverly Vermeer
1972 Queen Emily Vander Ploeg
Attendants: Cynthia Butler, Carol Kooi, Ann Renskers, Gail Vander Ploeg
1971 Queen Tricia Steward
Attendants: Lisa Mills, Ruth Van Gorp, Barbara Vermeer, Connie Whalley
1970 Queen Sandra Vermeer
Attendants: Kim Evers, Judy Vande Krol, Sherri Vander Wilt, Kristi Vos
1969 Queen Andrea Ver Meer
Attendants: Ann Dahm, Janice Grandia, Carol Hedrick, Mary Ver Ploeg
1968 Queen Judy De Cook
Attendants: Barbara Mickmershuizen, Nancy Paris, Andrea Ver Meer, Mary Vermeer
1967 Queen Judy Grandia
Attendants: Barb Kuiper, Susan Snyder, Karin Van Zante, Karin Tucker
1966 Queen Mary Joan Farver
Attendants: Judy De Cook, Judy Grandia, Eunice Roorda, Carol Vander Ploeg
1965 Queen Elaine Schakel
Attendants: Judy De Cook, Lois De Jong, Lynn Van Tuyl, Pamela Wilson
1964 Queen Beverly De Cook
Attendants: Barbara Duven , Pamela Klein, Twyla Van Steenis, Pamela Wilson
1963 Queen Mary Ver Meer
Attendants: Beverly De Cook, Pamela Klein, Charlene Klyn, Mary Wing
1962 Queen Kathy Gosselink
Attendants: Sharon Breen, Judy De Jong, Pam Gaass, Elaine Schakel
1961 Queen Glenda Steenhoek
Attendants: Kathy Gosselink, Kay Kuyper, Kay McDonald, Karen Wesselink
1960 Queen Lois De Kock
Attendants: Mary Boat, Beverly Boatsma, Linda Tysseling, Karen Wesselink
1959 Queen Sandra Sels
Attendants: Shirley Groenendyk, Sandy Klein, Joan Nollen, Marlyn Van Ee
1958 Queen Hilma Schagen
Attendants: Marla De Wild, Sandy Klein, Bonnie Kuyper, Retha Stursma
1957 Queen Andrea Boat
Attendants: Sharon Bakker, Bonnie DeJong, Marleen Duven, Evelyn Dykstra
1956 Queen Sandra Cummingham
Attendants: Andrea Boat, Marleen Duven, Geraldine Rus, MaryLou Ten Hagen
1955 Queen Gwen Vanden Berg
Attendants: Sandra Cummingham, Ruth Dahn, Sara Gosselink, Lila Klein
1954 Queen Judy Cook
Attendants: Bernice De Geus, Eloise De Zwarte, Marsha Jansen, Sally Jo Verdught
1953 Queen Lou Ann LeCocq
Attendants: Arlene Jellema, Peggy Kuyper, Joyce Petersma, Martha Van Ekeren
1952 Queen Jo Ann Schagen
Attendants: Barbara Buyert, LouAnn LeCocq, Marlene Sels, Retha Vande Haar
1951 Queen Carol Versteeg
Attendants: Elisabeth Kempkes, Marlene Sels, Retha Vande Haar, Dorothy Ver Meer
1950 Queen Wilma Van Zee
Attendants: Elisabeth Kempkes, Nancy Van Mannen, Mildred Vander Veer, Carol Versteeg
1949 Queen Lorraine De Haan
Attendants: Beulah De Heer, Ruth Den Adel, Mildred Hugen, Elaine Vander Ploeg
1948 Queen Beverly Thomassen
Attendants: Bernice Heerema, Marylou Kamerick, Ella Jane Van Slittert, Verla Vander Streek
1947 Queen Ruth Vande Geest
Attendants: Uella Dingeman, Bernice Heerema, Bernice Jaarsma, Ruth Vogelaar
1946
Pella's Tulip Time Festival was not held due to World War II recovery.
1944-1945 Queen Martha Van Berkum
Attendants: Francene De Prenger, Margaret De Wild, Phyllis Van Ee, Georgia Van Gorkom
The outbreak of World War II caused the court to remain the same for two years. There was no actual Tulip Time during these two years, but the court did fundraisers for the Netherlands to help with war relief.
1943 Queen Ruth Klein
Attendants: Virginia Carpenter, Carol Cook, Madeline Diekema, Jeanette Lankeima
1942 Queen Jeanne Van Gorkom
Attendants: Ruth Klein, Janet Vande Kieft, Marcia Versteeg, Theresa Wormhoudt
1941 Queen Marge Veenman
Attendants: Virginia Kempkes, Helen Klyn, Jeanne Van Gorkom, Lois Vanden Berg
1940 Queen Leona Schilder
Attendants: Virginia Kempkes, Helen Klyn, Martha Van Berkum, Marge Veenman
1939 Queen Bernace Vander Linden
Attendants: Margaretta Slobe, Janet Klyn, Leona Schilder, Martha Van Berkum
1938 Queen Virginia Van Gorp
Attendants: Anna Joyce Klein, Janet Klyn, Leona Schilder, Bernace Vander Linden
1937 Queen Freda Den Burger
Attendants Joan Kuyper, Bette Lankelma, Virginia Van Gorp, Leatanna Vander Pol
1936 Queen Leonora Gaass
Attendants: Virginia Van Gorp, Betty Lankelma, Martha Intveld, Ruth Heerema
