The Tulip Queen is a symbolic monarchy with a yearly coronation at the Tulip Festival, which takes place in May at Washington Park in Albany, New York. The Tulip Queen serves as an ambassador of the city and engages in community service projects during her one-year term.
The Tulip Queen is selected through a process involving letters of recommendation and interviews by a selection committee. Women aged 18 to 23 are eligible for nomination.
The crowning of the Tulip Queen starts with a short processional. First come the police, then the Albany Police Band playing bagpipes and drums, then a car containing last year's Tulip Queen and the current mayor. Next come a series of five cars each containing the five Tulip Queen finalists.
After the processional, the mayor, each finalist, and few other people give speeches. The mayor reads a note that says who has won the Tulip Queen title. Finally, last year's Tulip Queen takes off her crown and puts it on the head of the new queen.