M.M.Khanna,
INVC,
Chandigarh,
As the last of the fireworks smouldered into Dows Lake Sunday evening, thousands of onlookers prepared to bid farewell to another Canadian Tulip Festival, having partaken of a dizzying array of activities that drew hundreds of thousands to the 18-day festival. There were – still are – the tulips, of course. Opening for all to enjoy during the festival’s first week, the treasured flowers put on a spectacular display of their own this year. But there was much more. From the classic cars that got things motoring May 3, through Vintage Wings flypast, a Wonderland-worthy tea party in the Glebe, celebrated Celebridée discussions, free live concerts at Tulip Plaza, bike polo, skateboard manoeuvres, international cuisine and entertainment, or a series of tours to and through the tulip beds, this year’s edition of the Tulip Festival offered beauty for the eye of the most discerning beholder. This year’s festival took the tulips to the people, with activities and events not only at Tulip Plaza at Ottawa City Hall, but throughout downtown Tulip Neighborhoods The Glebe, Little Italy and Elgin Street. And whether it was painting oversize tulips Sens red or amazing and astounding Preston Street passersby with a fire show, the festival once again got the town talking. As it draws to a close today, the festival’s organizers wish to thank all of you who helped to put the spring back in Ottawa once more.
