Each spring, as tulips begin to pop in every color imaginable across Skagit Valley, a different kind of bloom takes center stage, our Tulip Festival Ambassadors! Every year, we invite 4th and 5th grade students from local Skagit County schools to audition for the opportunity to represent the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, one of Washington state’s most cherished spring celebrations.
In 2025, we were over the moon (and petals) to crown, Trygve Knutzen and Adelaide Bachmeier (Addie) as our official 2025 Tulip Ambassadors! These two budding leaders wowed us at the Ambassador Audition Event, and from there, they bloomed into bright, joyful representatives of everything the festival stands for; community, growth, and of course, tulips.
This unforgettable experience was made possible thanks to the generous support of HF Sinclair Puget Sound Refinery, our Title Sponsor for the Tulip Festival Ambassador program. Their commitment to education, agriculture, and the community helped launch a season full of growth, leadership, and of course, tulips!
So, what exactly does being a Tulip Festival Ambassador involve? Let’s take a look at some of the unforgettable highlights from Trygve and Addie’s ambassador journey this season:
A Capital Beginning: Meeting Governor Ferguson
In a blooming big honor, Trygve and Addie traveled to Olympia, where they met Washington Governor, Bob Ferguson! Not only did they get to shake hands with the state’s top leader and present him with the 2025 Official Skagit Valley Tulip Festival poster, but they also toured the Capitol building and Governor’s Mansion. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and they represented the Skagit Valley with grace, curiosity, and plenty of tulip pride. Addie even mentioned that this was her favorite experience of the ambassador program.
Going Live: On-Air with Local Radio
Next stop? The radio studio! Trygve and Addie joined not just one, but two local Skagit County radio shows, KSVR-FM (91.7) and KAPS Country (102.1), to talk about the festival, what it means to be a tulip ambassador, and why the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is an important spring event in Washington state. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and they had a blast sharing their blooming good news with listeners.
Courtside Moments: Awarding the Basketball Champs
Proving that tulips and teamwork go hand-in-hand, Trygve and Addie were special guests at the 2025 Tulip Days Basketball Tournament, the 33rd annual boys and girls’ youth tournament hosted by Skagit County Parks & Recreation. They handed out awards to the winners, cheered on local talent, and brought some extra spring spirit to the court; one of many family-friendly events in Skagit Valley that highlight our close-knit community.
Parade Perfection
Riding high (literally!) on a vintage fire truck, our ambassadors took part in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Parade, waving to cheering crowds and soaking in the small-town charm that makes La Conner such a springtime favorite. It was a celebration of spring, community, and the young leaders at its center.
Behind the Blooms: Touring Washington Bulb Company
As part of their floral-filled spring, Trygve and Addie got a special behind-the-scenes tour of Washington Bulb Company, the largest grower of tulips and daffodils in the United States! From giant greenhouses to unique machinery, they learned how millions of bulbs are planted, nurtured, and brought to life year-round. It was an awe-inspiring experience that showed just how much care, science, and passion goes into creating the colorful magic of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
VIP Tour: PACCAR Technical Center Open House
Before the PACCAR Technical Center Open House, Trygve and Addie enjoyed a private tour of this high-tech facility. They got a firsthand look at the cutting-edge engineering behind PACCAR’s trucks and met the brilliant minds driving innovation. A true behind-the-scenes experience blending technology and community spirit!
Garden-Hopping Glory: Visiting Four of the Festival Gardens
And of course, no ambassador experience would be complete without a tour of the blooming heart of the festival. Trygve and Addie explored four of our stunning tulip gardens:
- RoozenGaarde – A Skagit Valley icon, with picture-perfect tulip rows and a stunning display garden that never misses.
- Tulip Town – Bursting with color, fun photo ops, and festive energy for the whole family.
- Garden Rosalyn – Whimsical, peaceful, and full of uniquely arranged blooms that feel straight out of a fairytale.
- Tulip Valley Farms – A modern twist on tulip farming with immersive elements and a colorful field made for exploring.
From taking photos among the petals to asking the tulip farmers tulip filled questions, they soaked in every beautiful moment.
A Spring to Remember!
Through it all, Trygve and Addie embodied the joy, community, and vibrant spirit of the Tulip Festival. They were more than just ambassadors, they were blooming stars, and we couldn’t be more proud of their leadership and enthusiasm.
This entire journey was made possible by the incredible support of HF Sinclair Puget Sound Refinery, whose sponsorship helped plant the seeds for a season full of connection and celebration. We’re grateful for their continued investment in Skagit Valley’s youth and culture.
Want to be part of this experience next year or know someone who would shine in the role? Learn more and stay up to date on our Ambassador Program!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see more ambassador moments, garden beauty, and behind-the-scenes fun. And don’t forget—RoozenGaarde and Skagit Acres are open year-round for all your floral fix needs!
