Saturday’s rain didn’t stop thousand of people from showing up to the 62
nd annual Tulip Festival.
Jeffrey Perry of Albany, said “Rain is not a big deal. Umbrellas are made for a reason. It’s still a nice temperature outside and a good way to have some fun. It doesn’t matter.”
People who have been coming for years say this year is just a little different.
Gary Shoemaker has been attending the tulip festival for years and said, “On the days that are really nice you get a surplus of people and more vendors. I guess the rain scared people away.”
Those who did show up said they wouldn’t miss it for anything. They enjoyed good food, shopping and more than 250 thousand colorful tulips.
Perry said, “I am most looking forward to my Greek gyro.”
Lauren Sheridan of Long Island, said “I like the food, atmosphere, and music.”
Diane Guzman of Saratoga Springs said, “Mothers Day is tomorrow and I decided to bring my mom because she loves flowers and tulips so that’s what brought me here.”
The main event of the day was the crowning of this year’s Tulip Queen.
This year’s Tulip Queen is Mishka Gilkes,22. She is a 2009 graduate of SUNY Albany and is in her first year of graduate school studying Health Service Administration.
Gilkes said, “I’m very surprised and very honored. This year is going to be so much fun. We’ll put an initiative out there and do great things.”
Juliana Hernandez, the 2009 Tulip Queen, said “Everyone is so excited for the new queen Mishka. She is gorgeous and she is going to do great this year.”
Mayor Jerry Jennings said, “I’m really proud of our new Tulip Queen and I’m looking forward to working with her and her court.”
People refused to let the rain dampen their spirits.
Gilkes said, “Regardless rain or shine we are always smiling here in Albany.”
The Tulip Festival continues Sunday with the Mother of the Year Award at noon.
