ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — Syaira Liverpool, the 2026 Tulip Queen, is an Albany native.
She returned from Howard University with a sociology degree. Now she is back at home pursuing a master’s degree in counseling. She said she’s excited to begin engaging with the community.
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“It’s such an honor to be able to serve and give back to my community and work alongside these wonderful ladies as part of the Tulip Court this year, and I’m very excited to see what initiatives we come up with for our community,” Liverpool said.
Liverpool received some advice from the 2025 Tulip Queen, Abigail Williams. Williams has known Liverpool since high school and shared what it means to serve as an ambassador of Albany.
“So it’s really just being a role model for the city of Albany, not just for young girls and women, but everybody — showing up and being present and showing up for your community and showing them that this is what we can be,” Williams said. “When they look at you, they should see this is Albany.”
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Mayor Dorcey Applyrs says the Royal Court is a nostalgic morale booster for Albany residents, and the Tulip Festival is an economic boost for Albany’s businesses. The city faces a $19 million budget deficit, but Mayor Applyrs remains optimistic.
“We’ve already started to see solutions and additional funds that will go towards addressing our structural deficit because of some of the work that’s been done to date,” Applyrs said.
Festivities are set to continue on Sunday, rain or shine, this time with a celebration of moms and the 2026 crowning of the Capital Region Best Mom.