FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            

Contact: Gwen Auwerda

616.396.4221 x113

gwen@tuliptime.com
Title: Executive Director

HOLLAND, Mich. – [March 31, 2025] – Tulip Time Festival, Inc. announces its 2025 Grand Marshals for the Gentex Kinderparade and the Quality Car Wash Volksparade. The Gentex Kinderparade Grand Marshal will be Coach John Shillito of Zeeland West High School. The Quality Car Wash Volksparade will have co-Grand Marshals representing two organizations: Evergreen Commons and Resthaven. Evergreen Commons will be represented by its President and CEO, Dr. Jill Ver Steeg, while Resthaven will be represented by its President and CEO, Deedre Schuckert.

The Grand Marshals will lead their respective parades through downtown Holland along 8th Street, starting at Columbia Avenue and ending at 11th Street and Van Raalte Avenue. The Gentex Kinderparade will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, with traditional street scrubbing kicking off the parade. The Quality Car Wash Volksparade will follow on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Gentex Kinderparade – Thursday, May 8, 2025

Coach John Shillito, recently retired from coaching, boasts an impressive career record, having led his team to five state championship titles over 20 years. Shillito retired in 2024 after securing his fifth state championship, finishing with a win percentage of over 80%, the second highest in state history. He, along with former players from his career at Zeeland West High School, will lead the Thursday parade.

"We are all thrilled to be part of Tulip Time. It is such an important part of the fabric of the Holland/Zeeland community, and we are very honored to participate," Shillito said.

Quality Car Wash Volksparade – Saturday, May 10, 2025

The Quality Car Wash Volksparade will be led by Evergreen Commons and Resthaven, two organizations dedicated to serving different segments of the community.

Dr. Jill Ver Steeg, President and CEO of Evergreen Commons, will lead alongside a group of community members.

"Knowing that Evergreen Commons is among many deserving organizations in Holland—each worthy of celebration—I was humbled by this honor. With incredible gratitude, I celebrate our members, volunteers, donors, Board of Directors, staff, and legacy partners, while I say thank you to the Tulip Time Board for this recognition," Ver Steeg remarked.

Evergreen Commons serves adults 55 and older, providing world-class amenities and inspiring older adults to live their fullest lives by disrupting the way people age. During Tulip Time, the organization welcomes more than 400 people daily, offering an authentic Dutch Lunch accompanied by a Dutch Dance performance.

Resthaven, represented by President and CEO Deedre Schuckert, celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1945 for the community, by the community, Resthaven is dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults through compassionate care. In 2025, The Warm Friend, a Resthaven residence, will mark its 100th anniversary.

Upon learning of Resthaven’s selection as a Co-Grand Marshal, Shuckert expressed her excitement:

"We were honored and thrilled! Tulip Time is such a beloved tradition in Holland, and being asked to serve as Co-Grand Marshal during our 80th anniversary year makes it even more special. We are so pleased that Tulip Time has chosen to honor our seniors and highlight the services available to them. At Resthaven, our vision is ‘Creating Community and Connection,’ and Tulip Time embodies that same spirit by bringing people together to celebrate our city’s heritage."

Experience Tulip Time

Join us for the 96th Tulip Time Festival, May 2 – 11, 2025. For detailed program and event information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.TulipTime.com.