Wooden Shoe Bulb Company, Marion County

There is nothing quite as colorful in March and April as the sight of brightly hued tulips in the field. Welcome to Wooden Shoe Bulb Company, located just outside Woodburn, and its annual tulip festival, a well-known attraction to thousands each year. Going strong since 1983, Wooden Shoe has capitalized on the concept of marketing by giving customers and visitors the real-life experience of a working farm.

More than 50 years ago as newlyweds, Ross and Dorothy Iverson bought the farm located across the road from the tulip fields. Farming is very much the family business as the Iversons successfully grow a variety of crops. But it was the tulip fields that eventually became part of the operation and ultimately became the pride and joy of the family.

The Iversons started the contract growing of tulip bulbs in the 1970s. But realizing that they could market the bulbs and flowers themselves, some of the kids– a son, the daughters and daughters-in-law– took on the effort and gave birth to Wooden Shoe. The idea was simple– rather than take the flowers to the people, they brought the people to the flowers. Opening to the public for Easter weekend in 1986, Wooden Shoe was an instant hit, resulting in traffic jams along the county road. Early on, the flowers were picked in the field and sold in wheelbarrels. Since then, most of the order for bulbs come from people after they have visited the farm.

Visitors? Try 150,000 each year during the month-long festival. Some are gardeners, some are artists. Many of them are families that come out to take pictures.

With such attractions as hot air balloons and a portable windmill, Wooden Shoe has caught the attention of many Oregonians. Music, entertainment, and a gift shop have naturally evolved from Wooden Shoe’s humble beginnings. The end result is nearly 4000 orders for bulbs and flowers each year. Some come from the mail order catalog.

It's the closest thing to Holland that you will find in Oregon. Forty acres of the most beautiful tulips you’ll ever see. There are another 100 acres of daffodils. It’s all a tribute to the next generation of Iversons, who have taken a beautiful sight and created a memorable experience.

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These are authentic stories from real farmers.  Any editorial content does not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Agri-Business Council of Oregon or our members.