As fields burst into bloom each spring, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival becomes the heart of a season-long celebration that brings joy to locals and visitors alike.
We sat down with Kristen Nannery, a local mom, dedicated Board Treasurer of the Tulip Festival, and proud owner of Shawn O’Donnell’s at the Farmhouse. Kristen brings a unique perspective to the festival, balancing her love for family, community service, and local business.
She shares what makes the festival so meaningful to her and how she helps create a welcoming experience for all who visit.
Let’s meet Kristen and hear her story behind the blooms.
Meet Kristen & Discover What the Festival Means to Her
Kristen Nannery wears a lot of hats: mom, restaurant owner, and Tulip Festival Board Treasurer. Her family’s business, Shawn O’Donnell’s Irish Pub, started with her uncle and now spans six locations across Washington and Montana. In 2022, Kristen took over the beloved Farmhouse Restaurant in Skagit Valley, remodeling it into a cozy Irish pub just minutes from the tulip fields.
Kristen’s love for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs deeper than just proximity. She sees firsthand how the festival breathes life into the community. With St. Patrick’s Day ushering in their busy season, the tulip bloom brings an incredible boost not only to her restaurant, but to her staff’s livelihoods. And for her five-year-old son? The festival is full of unexpected magic—muddy boots, curiosity about how flowers grow, and the joy of planting tulips together at home.
Explore our list of delicious local eateries in Skagit Valley.
There’s a phrase up here—‘The magic of Skagit’—and it’s real. The swaths of color, the backdrop of the North Cascades, the closeness to Puget Sound… It’s breathtaking. But it’s also about people. The festival is the biggest economic driver in the county. It celebrates agriculture, art, and community.Kristen Nannery
Tulip Festival Board Member & Owner of Shawn O’Donnells at the Farmhouse
Supporting the Community that Supports Them
Kristin’s connection to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is more than just geographical, it’s personal. As a sponsor, board member, and treasurer of the festival, she plays an active role in helping it thrive from behind the scenes.
“It’s one of our core values, support the community that supports us,” she says. “We partner with tulip farms, offer discounts through the Tulip Passport, and we’re planning a locals’ night to encourage residents to visit during peak season.”
Shawn O’Donnell’s also backs local nonprofits, youth sports teams, and community initiatives throughout the year. And when it comes to festival events like the Tulip Ambassador program, a heartwarming tradition where 4th and 5th graders share their love for the festival in hopes of being chosen as ambassadors, Kristin is proud to be a judge. “They’re asked things like, ‘Why do you want to be a tulip ambassador?’ and ‘Who’s your favorite superhero?’ It’s such a joy to watch.”
Interested in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Ambassador Program? Take a peek behind the petals with our blog about the 2025 Tulip Ambassadors’ journey.
The Hidden Harmony of the Festival
Most visitors might not realize that the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival isn’t centralized, as there’s no single event location. Instead, it’s a beautifully orchestrated network of farms, events, and community partnerships. Kristin has a front-row seat to how it all comes together.
“Traffic flow, marketing, coordination between the farms; it’s a massive effort,” she shares. “The festival doesn’t sell tulips or tickets. It’s the glue that holds it all together. That behind-the-scenes work is what brings it to life.”
Write Your Own Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Story
Kristin found more than tulips in Skagit Valley, she found a community. Come see for yourself why the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival continues to bloom in the hearts of so many.
We’re here to help you along the way. Explore events, attractions, and our map to plan your trip.
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