By KAREN LADOUCEUR

Canadian Tulip Festival: Friday May 3

The 61st Canadian Tulip Festival begin today!

The festival will start this morning with the Commemorative Cavalcade of Classics. This procession of vintage vehicles runs from Dows Lake and continues all the way to Tulip Plaza at City Hall on Laurier Street. This time-honoured tradition was founded as a way to welcome soldiers home from the Second World War, as well as mark the beginning of the very first Tulip Festival.

The Cavalcade will be greeted by the boisterous sounds of jazz and swing music as the seven-piece band The Jivewires kick-off this 18-day festival. For those who jump and jive, or even for those who just want to sit and listen, this free show is sure to have you toe-tapping in no time.

In the evening Ottawa’s very own Hollerado hits the stage at Tulip Plaza. This young band, originally from Manotick, Ontario, a small town just outside of Ottawa, has exploded onto the music scene over the past couple of years. The show is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with opening acts Hotel Morphée and Pandaléon. This will be a monumental kick-off for the 61st Canadian Tulip Festival.

Canadian Tulip Festival: Saturday May 4

The BULB, or Big Urban Living Boutique, is scheduled to be at the Tulip Plaza beginning at 10:00 a.m. The BULB gathers over 20 artists to showcase everything from arts, crafts and handmade soaps to photography, fashion, and jewellery.

Canadian Tulip Festival: Sunday May 5

Something new to the Tulip Festival this year is the addition of the Tulip Route Bike Ride, in partnership with Capital Vélo Fest. Choose to ride with friends and family, or participate in a guided tour. Both are free of charge and conducted by festival volunteers.

This 16-kilometre tour begins on Preston Street in the Little Italy section of the Tulip Festival and loops around Ottawa and Gatineau.