After the rough winter comes spring, the first signs of spring are popping up through the ground as a prelude to the seventeenth Tulip Extravaganza in downtown Hendersonville.

In the next few weeks, tulips will start blooming along Main Street.

Eight thousand to 10,000 bulbs are planted each year to bring color to Main Street. The “Tulip Extravaganza” is organized by Barbara Hughes, owner of Narnia Studios at 408 N. Main Street.

The Tulip Extravaganza is scheduled for April 1-30, which includes the week of Passover and Easter. Downtown businesses hope that residents will bring their out-of-town guests for a colorful month of shopping and dining.

“They are actually right on schedule,” she said of the tulips. “They couldn’t help it. They had a rough life this winter, but the last couple of weeks were seasonably warm.”

In addition, the annual tulip photo contest will occur throughout the month, with the deadline to enter being April 26. Winners of the photo contest will be announced April 30. All photos entered must be taken in downtown Hendersonville.

“I really appreciate that the landscapers do such a wonderful job. They’re very uplifting; the colors are gorgeous.”

For more information, call 828-697-6393.