Our Little "Dutch" Girl

A. and her friend (Obviously we posed them and surprisingly they let us take their pic!)

This past weekend we had a wonderful time at Hollandfest. A neighboring town celebrates their Dutch heritage. I cannot stress enough that I am in no way Dutch. I was confused that a child was named Willem when we first moved here because I didnt know he was named after someone famous (and as I write this I still couldnt tell you who and Andy is on the phone so I wont interrupt him!) But, its still fun to be part of the festivities. Enjoy the following pictures!

Enjoying the Klompen Dancers

I thought it was time she got her own wooden shoe (okay- I was being cheap... she only got one shoe and it isnt even the right size... but it does have her name on it! To get wooden shoes that were custom made to fit her could cost about $31- compared to the 10 bucks I spent!)
A. and her friend that she really admires. Thanks to Bigger A., Little A. was able to borrow this outfit!
Sweeping the Streets before the parade. According to one website: "residents pride themselves on the cleanliness and neatness of their community. During the Holland Festival, residents of all ages take to the street in costume to participate in the ceremonial street scrubbing. Armed with "Old Dutch" cleanser, an assortment of brooms, and water from wooden barrels or buckets, they scrub the pavement until the Burgemeister (village president) declares it clean. Only then do the Klompen Dancers kick up their heels."

Friends

We also enjoyed some Oliebollen. They are similar to very large sugar covered donut holes. YUM! I havent tried the recipe- but here it is if you are interested!

Oliebollen
3 cups flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup sugar 4 tablespoons corn oil	2 eggs 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup raisins, chopped apple or currants, optional
Sift all dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients and blend. Stir in fruit, if desired. Drop by teaspoonfuls into hot oil (350 to 375 degrees) and fry until golden brown. Roll in granulated sugar.

I am curious what Pella's Tulip Time or even Orange City's. Of course Holland, MI I am sure is to the extreme- but we had a fun time!