Vancouver Tragedy Affirms Tulip Time, Holland Decision on Security Measures

HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 28, 2025) – Security and safety have become as important as fun for those who hold large-scale events.

Police in Vancouver now say 11 people were killed, and dozens of others were injured, after a black SUV sped into a packed celebration at a Filipino Block Party on Saturday night. A 30-year-old Vancouver man with a history of mental illness has been arrested and awaits an arraignment on charges stemming from the incident.

This matter, along with similar incidents on New Year’s Day in New Orleans and more than three years ago in Waukesha, Wisconsin, has led officials at other high profile events to increase security. This includes the Tulip Time Festival, according to Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks.

Several weeks after the New Orleans incident, the length of the Volksparade, set for Saturday, May 10, was shortened by eight tenths of a mile to 1.2 miles, from Columbia and East 8th Street to Kollen Park.

The 96th Tulip Time Festival officially begins on Friday.