HOLLAND, Mich. (WWJ) - Police in west Michigan have recovered two pairs of giant wooden shoes that went missing from the annual Tulip Time Festival in Holland.
The shoes, each 3-feet long and 1-foot wide, were reportedly stolen from Centennial Park Wednesday night. One features a turquoise green background with orange tulips, and the other has a white background with a blue delft pattern and a windmill.
Police recovered the shoes, which were specially painted for a new "Klompen Garden" art competition, late Thursday night -- though it wasn't immediately clear where they were located. Festival organizers say the shoes were not damaged beyond repair and just need some touchups by the artists before they'll go back on display. An investigation is ongoing.
To give you an idea of just how large the shoes are, check out this Instagram photo from Carolyn Stich. She painted two pairs that will be on display.
The shoes are on display in city parks and in tulip beds in downtown Holland.
The public is asked to vote for their favorite pair through May 11. The top three artists win cash prizes.
