This week, the annual Tulip Festival in Ottawa is in full swing at Major's Hill Park, near the National Art Gallery and the Byward Market (my neighbourhood!). I wandered into the park today on my home from work, just to check it out. There are lots of large wooden tulips all over the place, like these red ones. For some reason, these were in a semi-circle around a wooden ladybug, which had flowers spilling out under her shell. Just part of the kitschy fun, I guess!
Of course, the main attraction is the masses of tulips in bloom in various places throughout the park. There were also dozens of people with cameras clicking away like mad. I was lucky to find a spot where I could take a picture of just the flowers and not all the other photographers who were, like me, trying to get a good shot!
Not far from the tulip beds, I saw this large brightly coloured tube. People were looking into it and so I just had to find out what it was.
It turned out to be a very large kaleidescope. This guy showed me how it worked. There are wheels on the side that you can turn to get different effects. I tried it. I have always loved kaleidescopes. This one was amazing!
Further up the hill, there was a cluster of tents for different exhibits. Dozens and dozens of painted and decorated wooden tulips lined the sidewalks or were scattered over the lawns.
And what would a tulip festival be without some people sitting in or on a wooden shoe!?!
I like the face on this tulip. The words "peace" and "friendship" are painted on its leaves. Perfect for a festival celebrating spring.
2 comments:
The tulip fest looks fab! I love the giant tulips and of course, that wooden shoe is the best!
The kaleidoscope is SO cool!!
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