Tulip Festival's final weekend offers last vibrant blooms amid visitor decline

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in western Washington features millions of tulips, drawing thousands of visitors as it approaches its final weekend. Rachael Sparwasser, owner of Tulip Town, expressed satisfaction with the season's vibrant blooms, attributing their success to ideal weather conditions. However, she reported a noticeable decline in attendance compared to last year, particularly citing a 52% drop in Canadian visitors due to reduced border traffic. Brent Roozen, a local tulip farmer, confirmed that while warm days have compressed the bloom, they have positively impacted attendance. Visitors continue to celebrate the festival, with attendees like Sarah Loron expressing the event's significance as a spring celebration.

Festival organizers are urging those who haven't yet visited to seize the opportunity before the festival ends. The economic challenges influencing visitor numbers highlight broader trends affecting local events. Despite these challenges, the festival remains a symbol of hope and beauty for those who attend.