The Bellingham Tulip Festival was discontinued in 1930, due to the Great Depression and bulb freezes in 1916, 1925, and 1929 that brought heavy losses to the growers.

[2] In 1946, William Roozen arrived in the United States, leaving behind a successful bulb-growing business spanning six generations in Holland.

[5] Local tulip growers showcased their bulbs through display gardens for decades prior to the formation of an official festival.

[8] Festival organizers had initially planned for a smaller event with limited numbers of people allowed at display gardens and later car-only tours, but cancelled after the state government issued a stay-at-home order.

[9] Tulip Town, a major festival venue, announced plans to use virtual tours and flower donations for hospital workers to recoup their lost revenue.