Belgian Heritage Center Hosts Kermiss

Booyah is a favorite food at the kermiss.

A Belgian kermiss will be held Sept. 15, 11 am – 4 pm, at the Belgian Heritage Center in Namur. The kermiss is a traditional Belgian celebration, open to the whole community, to give thanks after the harvest. There will be music and Belgian food, including booyah, trippe, Belgian pie, jutt, beer and old-fashioned ice cream making powered by a tractor.

Kermisses were traditionally celebrated in each small community in the Belgian settlement in consecutive weeks from Labor Day through October. The celebration typically begins with a Catholic mass followed by gatherings in the homes, taverns and dancehalls.

Polka Man Dale will provide the music from 12:30 to 3:30 pm with the Bellows & String Band featuring Edie Lenore, former Hee Haw country music star.

As at all of the Belgian heritage events, people are invited to bring old family and community pictures to scan. There will be genealogy assistance available for those interested in exploring their Belgian heritage.

The Belgian Heritage Center is located at 1255 County Road DK, Brussels.