Come Celebrate at Belgian Kermiss

There will be a traditional Belgian Kermiss on Aug. 30, 11 am – 4 pm, at the Belgian Heritage Center at 1255 County Road DK, Brussels (on the curve in Namur near the historical markers). A Kermiss is a traditional Belgian harvest celebration that is open to the whole community featuring Belgian food, beer, music and camaraderie. Kermisses were traditionally celebrated in each small community in the Belgian settlement in consecutive weeks before Labor Day and extending into October. The celebration would begin with a Catholic Mass followed by gatherings in the homes, taverns and dancehalls. Relatives and friends would come from all the neighboring areas to partake of the abundance of food.

The Mad Cats will provide their mix of high-energy music from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Other activities include craft exhibitions and guided tours of the nearby Belgian American Clubhouse, formerly a Catholic school and chapel. This year the author Christine DeSmet will sign copies of her new book, Five-Alarm Fudge, which takes place in Door County.

The Belgian food served includes booyah, trippe (a Belgian sausage similar to bratwurst), hamburgers, jutt, Belgian pie, tortes, and old fashioned ice cream made by using the power drive on a tractor. All proceeds benefit the Belgian Heritage Center and its ongoing projects.

The community is invited to bring old family and community pictures for volunteers to scan and include in the organization’s collection.