Tulips are the official flower of Albany.

When you think of tulips, you probably think of Holland. Even though the tulip is originally from Central Asia, it became very popular when it was brought to Holland in the 17th century. Today Holland grows billions of bulbs every year.

People travel from around the world to see the fields of tulips. In Amsterdam, the capital of Holland, there is even a floating flower market, which sells tulips and many other fragrant flowers grown
in Holland.

The tulip has a connection to the Hudson Valley, too. In 1948, the tulip became the official flower of Albany, the capital city of New York State and the oldest Dutch settlement in America. Albany celebrates its Dutch heritage with its annual Tulip Festival every May. Hundreds of thousands of tulips are planted throughout Washington Park for this three-day festival.

Where: Washington Park, located between Madison Ave. &
 State  St., Albany
When: May 8-10, 2009 (Fri. 5-8pm; Sat. & Sun. 11am-8pm)
More information: 518-434-2032; www.albanyevents.org