Economic Boost to County

Economic Boost to County Economic Boost to County

In a regular year, the Tulip Festival draws an average of 350,000 tourists to the Skagit Valley over the month of April, providing a huge bump to Skagit County’s tourism industry. Approximately 75 percent of festival visitors come on day or overnight trips from out of the area in groups of about three, which means increased revenue for local restaurants, lodging and shops. Visitors participate in the festival’s events, many of which support local organizations and charities. Said festival President Cindy Verge, “This year will be a little different because of COVID-19 restrictions and border closures but we know there will still be out-of-state visitors and that visitor spending in the valley will be more important than ever.”

The Tulip Festival board, staff and volunteers are proud of the small businesses and agricultural heritage in Skagit Valley. In order to celebrate it, the festival developed an Official Product program to promote local businesses and locally made products.

These businesses highlight some of the best the Skagit Valley has to offer. Participants pay a licensing fee for use of the festival’s artwork so customers will easily recognize these special products. This year, the festival has added some new official product lines: official candle and bath products from Reclamation Candle Company and Coffee Bar, official cannabis from Freya Farm and an official hard cider from Ragged & Right Cider Project.

Returning official products are: Official beer from Anacortes Brewery/ Rockfish Grill Official coffee from Fidalgo Bay Coffee Roasters Official wine from Pasek Cellers Official jewelry from Warren Jewelers Official chocolate from Forté Chocolates

We hope you will support our local businesses and participate in festival events throughout the month of April; we are looking forward to having tulip fans back this year.