UPDATE — Both missing Klompen have been found with minimal damage. Once the artists have done some touch-ups, they will be returned to Centennial Park.
Tulip Time officials wish to express their gratitude to Holland PD and the community for helping return the art so quickly.
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HOLLAND, Mich. — Two pairs of large wooden shoes were stolen Thursday from Centennial Park in Holland.
The shoes are part of a public art project and contest for the Tulip Time Festival where 45 pairs were installed in city parks and tulip beds throughout the downtown area.
Tulip Time officials say they have filed a police report, but are more interested in getting the shoes back to where they belong for public enjoyment and to be a part of the contest.
“We’ve been installing them for the last three or four days so we been in the park everyday, we know they were there until this morning,” Tulip Time Executive Director Gwen Auwerda, said.
“Every shoe is different and unique and they are placed in the ground, they weren’t just sitting there, they were secured in the ground and all the hardware that secured them was also missing,” Auwerda, added.
Anyone with information on the missing shoes can contact the Holland police.
You can still vote for the missing shoes on Tulip Time’s Facebook page.
