News Summary
Mark Edwin Dykema, the former chairman of Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, was sentenced to 180 days in jail for illicitly recording videos under women’s clothing. He faces three years of probation following his admission of a pornography addiction and prior offenses. Dykema’s actions, including attempts to record in public venues, shook the community, leading to outrage among festival attendees and highlighting the misuse of technology and the need for privacy awareness.
Grand Rapids – Mark Edwin Dykema, 40, the former chairman of Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, was sentenced on June 18, 2025, to 180 days in jail for crimes involving the illicit recording of videos under women’s clothing. In addition to his jail time, Dykema has been placed on probation for three years, as mandated by the Kent County Circuit Court.
This sentencing aligns with a prior ruling from Ottawa County concerning similar offenses, which underscores the seriousness of his actions. Dykema pleaded no contest to several charges, including surveilling an unclothed person and using a computer to commit a crime, a move that confirmed the allegations against him without the need for trial.
The investigation into Dykema’s behavior uncovered a disturbing pattern; he attempted to record videos underneath women’s clothing in various public venues, including a church in Wyoming and a Trader Joe’s store in Kentwood. This criminal behavior led to a total of five counts of using a computer to commit a crime and six counts of surveilling an unclothed person across both counties. Each count could have carried a sentence of up to four years, illustrating the potential severity of the charges faced.
Dykema admitted in court that he suffers from a pornography addiction which played a significant role in his misconduct. This admission highlights a troubling aspect of his case, revealing that he engaged in these illegal activities without the knowledge of his wife or others close to him. During the course of the investigation, authorities seized Dykema’s phone through a search warrant for examination, further substantiating the claims against him.
Prior to his resignation from the Tulip Time board in August 2024—just before the charges were filed—Dykema was well-known in the community, having previously owned multiple Biggby Coffee shops in Holland and Zeeland. His involvement in the Tulip Time Festival, an event celebrating spring with tulip blooms and Dutch heritage, drew attention to his actions, contributing to the community’s shock over the revelations of his conduct.
Investigators retrieved a four-page email from Dykema confessing to his crimes, which caused widespread concern and outrage among festival attendees and the broader community. The festival holds a significant place in the culture of Holland, and many were disheartened to learn that someone in a leadership position had betrayed their trust in such a profound manner.
As Dykema begins his sentence, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges surrounding privacy and the misuse of technology. The legal proceedings highlight the ongoing need for community vigilance against such offenses, as well as the importance of support systems for individuals grappling with addiction or behavioral issues. Awareness and education surrounding these matters may play a crucial role in preventing similar incidents in the future.
With Dykema now facing the consequences of his actions, community leaders and residents are left to grapple with the unsettling reality of how someone in a position of influence can exploit their status to engage in such unlawful behavior.
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Additional Resources
- WOODTV: Admitted Porn Addict Gets Jail for Upskirt Photos
- Wood Radio: Man Gets Jail for Upskirt Recordings in Kent County
- Holland Sentinel: Mark Dykema Pleads No Contest to Upskirt Photo Charges
- MLive: Ottawa County Businessman Accused of Taking Upskirt Photos Enters Plea
- WZZM13: West Michigan Biggby Franchise Owner Accused of Photographing Up Women’s Skirts
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
