The Iowa House welcomed a Northwest Iowa tradition, as the 2026 Orange City Tulip Festival Queen and her court were recognized at the State Capitol on Monday afternoon.
State Representative Phil Jeneary of Le Mars introduced the group to lawmakers.
Following the introduction, Tulip Festival Queen Ava Truesdell addressed the chamber, highlighting the role she and her court play as ambassadors for the annual celebration.
Truesdell also explained the significance of the traditional Dutch attire worn by the court.
She closed by inviting lawmakers and Iowans to attend the upcoming festival while reflecting on its long-standing importance to the community.
The appearance was wrapped up with a traditional Dutch dance performed in the House chamber.
Truesdell, a senior at MOC–Floyd Valley, will preside over the 85th annual Orange City Tulip Festival, scheduled for May 14th through the 16th. She is joined on the Tulip Court by Autumn Anderson, Mady Stanislav, Keaton Van Kekerix, and Kallie Zwart.
Audio Courtesy: Radio Iowa / O. Kay Henderson
