The Flower Parade in Leersum is the event of the Utrecht Hill Ridge and traditionally takes place during the third weekend of August. Many builders and volunteers endeavour every year to make the most beautiful floats and mosaics. In addition to the parade of all floats, there are many activities such as a fair, art market, funfair and there are various activities for children. The builders' show will also take place in mid-February and the flower queen will be announced in mid-March.
Especially the people from Leersum and the Utrechtse Heuvelrug region belong to this heritage. They can be involved in various ways: as a builder in a construction group, as a sponsor, as a spectator, as a member of the organization or as a volunteer in various activities. The event receives thousands of visitors every year.
The Flower Parade in Leersum was created from the festivities on Queen's Day. During Queen Wilhelmina's reign, this day was celebrated on August 31. In Leersum this always happened rather exuberantly.
In the traditional procession, bicycles and carts adorned with heather, moss and orange flowers: marigolds and African marigolds. When Juliana became queen and Queen's Day was celebrated on April 30, the Leersummers missed their flower parade in August. And that is why they again organized a parade in August. This time with decorated bicycles, carts and farm wagons.
In 1953 a real parade was organized for the first time with floats and decorated cars. The Leersum corso was officially called: 'Bloemencorso Midden-Nederland. The facades of the houses were also decorated with flowers at the time. The entire village was illuminated, which must have been a beautiful sight. The wagons, many of which were also used in the beginning, were adorned with spruce greenery and ribbons of gladiolus and carnations. They were pulled by horses and tractors.