ALBANY, N.Y. -- Take time to stop and enjoy the flowers in Albany Friday – this year’s Tulip Fest is running through Sunday.

The 70th annual festival kicked off with a series of events, including an opening proclamation from Mayor Kathy Sheehan.

The Tulip Festival is one of Albany's signature weekends, and a true sign that warm weather has finally arrived. The festival celebrates not only beautiful flowers, but traditions rooted in the city's Dutch heritage.

"I try to bring in new varieties every year. I mean we have our old favorites that always are here at the festival, but there are a couple new ones this year. One is named 'Wedding Gift', which is absolutely beautiful. We have another one named 'Orca,’ ” said the city’s master gardener Jessica Morgan.

Morgan says she already has next year's plan in her head.

As for this year's festivities, the new Tulip queen will be crowned Saturday at Washington Park. And on Sunday, Mother's Day, the Mother of the Year will be announced.

Music, crafts and all kinds of entertainment will be going on throughout the weekend.

And if you're heading to see the tulips, we want to see your pictures! You can post them right on our Facebook page, tweet them to us or email them to newspix@charter.com.