Organizers for the Abbotsford Tulip Festival will cap weekend and holiday ticket sales this year as the wildly successful event prepares to return for its second season.
Last year, the month-long event drew more than 100,000 visitors, but so many people flocked to the North Parallel Road site on some weekends that highway traffic became congested and parking became a problem.
Last fall, the Agricultural Land Commission rejected the festival's request for additional parking on site, with a panel ruling that existing facilities on site were adequate.
This year, the event is looking to encourage people who want to see the tulips to visit during less busy times.
According to a press release sent Monday, the festival will require advanced purchases for weekend tickets on its website. Weekday tickets will be available on site. And the festival will also sell discounted tickets, for $2, to locals, or groups that include a single Abbotsford resident (with proof of address) visiting Tuesday or Thursdays after 3 p.m.
It has also dubbed itself "Bloom, The Abbotsford Tulip Festival."