Belgian Kermiss Celebration in Namur

The Family Centers of Door County, in conjunction with the Peninsula Belgian American Club, is hosting a Belgian Kermiss Celebration on Sunday, September 13 from 11 am – 4 pm. The festivities are to be held at Camp Wabansi, located on the shores of Green Bay, southwest of the Door County community of Namur.

A Kermiss is a celebration that has taken place in Belgian communities since Belgian immigrants settled in Door County in the late 1800s, and it can be described as a celebration of faith, food, fun, family and friends. The Kermiss was a chance for those of Belgian descent to gather and give thanks for the harvest at the end of the summer season. It usually began with a Mass at the nearest Catholic Church and ended with visits to the homes of those who lived in that particular village or town. Those who were entertaining baked hundreds of Belgian Pies and served mounds of food including a chicken soup called Booyah made with homegrown vegetables and poultry.

Visitors to the Kermiss celebration will be able to purchase Belgian food such as Beligian pie, trippe, chicken booyah and other American selections, participate in a Cooyah card tournament at 1 pm, and enjoy the music of Dana Erlandson from noon to 3 pm. There will be chances to learn about Belgian history, children’s games, and a raffle and silent auction to benefit the Family Centers of Door County will be held.

The Kermiss is an alcohol-free event that will be held rain or shine. For more information, call 920.825.1430.