EVENTS
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The 62nd Annual Albany Tulip Festival
May 8 & 9, 2010
Washington Park, Albany, New York

Friday: Street Scrubbing and Luncheon • Noon
Saturday: Royal Tulip Ball • 6:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: Vendors, food, music and more • 11:00am - 6:00pm, Washington Park


Congratulations to 2010 Albany Tulip Queen Mishka Gilkes!

Thank you for another successful Tulip Festival! See you next year!

A highly anticipated spring tradition continues when over 200,000 tulip bulbs blossom into a sea of colors just in time for this Mother’s Day celebration in Washington Park. Historic events take place annually, including the street scrubbing on State Street, the tradition of the Tulip Queen Coronation, Tulip Queen and Court Luncheon and Royal Tulip Ball. As always, Saturday and Sunday will host the added excitement of children’s activities, craft vendors, delicious food and multiple stages with nationally acclaimed musical performances. Sunday's events include the 12th Annual Mother of the Year Award. For more information, visit www.motheroftheyearalbany.com.

Saturday afternoon features the crowning of the Albany Tulip Queen. Nominees go through a competitive interview process and five finalists are chosen to attend the ceremony. One will be crowned the Queen and the other four will serve as the Tulip Court. The Tulip Queen & Court spend their year of reign involved in volunteer projects, community functions, book drives and develop initiatives to further the Mayor's Literacy Campaign. For more information visit www.albanytulipqueen.com.

Albany Tulip Festival is FREE & open to the public (Fee for luncheon and ball).

Mayor Jerry Jennings and the City of Albany thank these generous sponsors:

image Price Chopper Columbia Development Coors Light Miller Lite
Verizon Wireless MVP Waste Management Empire Blue Cross Bath Fitter
Hilton Garden Inn CDTAiRide Crowne Plaza Woodbridge Wines
WEQX B95.5 The Bridge Buzz 105.7 104.9 The Cat
ESPN Radio Exit 97.7 Fly 92 Fox 23 News JAMZ 96.3
Magic 590 PYX 106 Capital District Home & Style WVCR WSG

WGNA WTRY Metroland Times Union Albany.com

Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation
Cabot Cheese
Clough Harbour & Associates
Fuller & O'Brien (A Division of Arthur J. Gallagher of New York)
Huff 'N' Puff
New York Lottery
Radio Disney
Silver Leaf Resorts


Special ground rules in effect: Security personnel reserve the right to inspect any bag, container or package and confiscate any prohibited or illegal items. No glass containers of any kind, animals or pets (excluding ADA-defined service animals), or recording of performers or presentations. All attendees should be prepared to present age identification at any time if they intend to consume alcohol.


2010 Albany Tulip Queen and Court:

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Left to right: Mishka Gilkes, Ashley Holt, Keva Luke, Melissa Pelletier, Gabrielle Rieth.
Photo courtesy Jim Miller, Desolation Road Photography.

Tulip Queen Mishka Gilkes, Age 22 of Albany NY
Mishka is a Graduate student at SAGE Graduate School studying Health Services Administration. She works as a re-entry specialist at the AIDS Council of Northeastern NY. Her volunteer experiences include Equinox as a peer mentor, and assisting at Whitney M. Young in Albany. Mishka hopes to ultimately practice law and become a judge. Her goal as a 2010 court member is to impact the community through the Mayor Jerry Jennings Literacy Campaign.

Tulip Court member Ashley Holt, Age 22 of Albany NY
Ashley is currently completing her Masters at Bay Path College with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Her volunteer experience includes Ronald McDonald House and the First Israel AME Food Pantry. She hopes to work as an Occupational Therapist in the Capital District and also build a business for local handcrafters to showcase their work. During this year on the 2010 court, she would like to continue to campaign for current literacy programs as well as promote the new program created by her court members.

Tulip Court member Keva Luke, Age 18 of Albany NY
Keva is a senior at Albany High School & will be attending Siena College as a pre-med student in the Fall. Her volunteer experience ranges from a local day care center, St Peters Hospital, tutoring Spanish & math and helping raise money for local booster clubs. She hopes to eventually attend Albany Medical College to become a pediatrician. Her goal on the 2010 court is to increase literacy levels in Albany and make citizens aware of the great programs that Albany has to offer.

Tulip Court member Melissa Pelletier, Age 20 of Colonie NY
Melissa is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Hudson Valley Community College. She works at Teresian House Nursing Home, volunteers at the Food Bank and participates in breast cancer walks and Relay for Life. She hopes to become a kindergarten teacher. As a member of the 2010 Tulip Court, she will strive to make a positive impact on her community.

Tulip Court member Gabrielle Rieth, Age 21 of Ravena, NY
Gabrielle is a senior at Cornell University studying Biological Sciences.  In high school she tutored peers, volunteered at St Peters Hospital, and worked with mentally handicapped adults.  In college, she organized a fundraising event for Prevent Child Abuse America and has helped with St Jude's Children's Research Center. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and possibly become a surgeon. As a 2010 court member, her goals are to form a great team with her court members, serve as a positive role model for women and help to create an exciting new initiative for Mayor Jennings Literacy Campaign.

Tulip Court wardrobe donated by Ursula of Switzerland.

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