Best Capital Region Mom crowned at Tulip Festival

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Hundreds of families, mothers and community members filled Washington Park Sunday, marking the final day of the 2025 Albany Tulip Festival.

Many of the people in attendance said they came out to celebrate their mom, as Sunday was not only the last day of the Tulip Festival, but also Mother's Day.

“We love Albany so we wanted a chance to be outside and see everything that's going on and it seems like a great way to enjoy the weather and spend Mother's Day," said Megan Cusick Brix, a mother who brought her husband and two kids.

This year marks 77 years of the annual Albany Tulip Festival -- a weekend that has become a staple in the Capital Region.

“I love this event every year, obviously the flowers are gorgeous, but I just love the diversity of humanity that comes out for this," said Pam Skirpak, a visitor alongside her sister Sydney. "It is just such a warm place to be, realizing what a rich cultural place that Albany is."

Plus, for some local moms, the nearly 100 vendors, live music and children's activities made for the perfect Mother's Day celebration.

“It's a beautiful day, the music is fabulous, so just a great thing to do on Mother's Day," said Colleen Snyder, a visitor alongside her husband Frank.

As part of the 26-year-old tradition, the Tulip Festival also recognized many moms Sunday. This includes the four finalists that took the stage for the 2025 Capital Region Best Mom Ceremony. The finalists were Sarah Svec, Lucia Nova, Jennifer Riley and NEWS10's own Lydia Kulbida.

Sarah Svec took home the crown Sunday afternoon, winning the title of Best Capital Region Mom. She is a Melrose mother to twelve foster children. Svec said being a foster mom has changed everything for her.

“Being an advocate to children in care, and if you have ever thought to opening your home to children in foster care, do it, it really changes your life," said Svec.

The blooming flowers brought together mothers and families from around the region -- reminding everyone to be grateful.

“People are happy here, you know, like things are hard right now so just to be out on a sunny day in a beautiful park, that’s a good thing," said Sydney Skirpak. "What's not to love?” said Pam Skirpak.

While Sunday was the last day of the 77th annual Tulip Festival, there is still a chance to take a piece of the Tulip Festival home. The Tulip Dig is set for May 17 and the Tulip sale will be on May 18. For more information on the time and location of these events, visit their website.