Tulips—100,000 of them—will brighten the springtime scene during the seventh annual American Village Festival of Tulips. Located on a 188-acre campus just thirty miles south of Birmingham, Alabama, the American Village is a nationally-pioneering educational institute designed to foster good citizenship through bringing American history to life. The campus is home to twenty replicas of historic buildings including Washington Hall, inspired by George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
The Village’s newest feature is the West Wing of Independence Hall which offers a multi-sensory experience ,”Choosing to be an American People,” which takes visitors through the events of the American Revolution to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In addition to history, visitors may immerse themselves in the beauty of nature during the Tulip Festival. The Festival opens whenever twenty percent of the flowers—planted in December—are blooming, an event which is expected for late February or early March, with details posted on the Village website or Facebook page. Visitors stroll through a field of tulips in all colors of the rainbow, a spectacular backdrop for photos. Those who want to recreate the experience on a somewhat smaller scale in their own gardens may pick tulips—including the bulb– for $2/flower. Thirty-four varieties and blends of tulips are on view, including early, mid and late-bloomers. New varieties making their first appearance this year include Orange Balloon and the pink-maroon-and-mauve Mellow Drama.
During the Festival, there will be entertainment in the tulip field. The American Village costumed historical interpreters will have scheduled performances daily. Other entertainment offerings include a puppet show, an American Revolutionary War soldiers encampment, and encounters with patriots of the past.
The Village offers school programs for students in grades K-12 and caters to public, private, parochial and homeschool groups. As students step back in time to the founding of our nation, they learn firsthand through experiences led by the staff of costumed historical interpreters.
The Village also hosts customized special events, including wedding receptions, office retreats, and holiday parties.
The American Village is located at 3727 Highway 119 in Montevallo, Alabama. For more information on the Village and the Tulip Festival, check the website at www.americanvillage.org or phone 205-665-3535.
photos courtesy American Village
