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KEN JE NOG EEN MOP? Do you remember a joke?

by Maria De Lugt Kocsis

FINALLY – The DIS Picnic – Saturday, September 7, 2019 1 pm. – 5 p.m. at Nelis Dutch Village – 12350 James St., Holland, Michigan 49424.

What a fun place! It had been years since we had been there and wow has it grown and so many exhibits have been added to it.

We are so looking forward to seeing you, our DIS members, at this casual and fun picnic and get to know each other a little better.

The picnic this year is instead of the “Landdag” we had in the past. However, we hope in the future to bring back the popular nonprofit organizations with the famous Dutch goodies. There are also quite a few Dutch goodies to purchase at the picnic at the Village. If you would like to share some of your own “homemade” favorite Dutch goodies, feel free to bring them to the picnic.

Here’s something new: if you would like to contribute a favorite Dutch recipe, we would love to share that in upcoming magazine editions or maybe even put something together if we have enough of them. There will be a box at the entrance for your recipe notes, or you may email/mail them in.

Fun, food and fellowship for DIS members and their families and we do NOT have to pay the entrance fee of $13.00-so it’s free. Signs will be posted for our DIS group – and you may obtain a sticker and wristband allowing your free entry and your name tag at the table and tent set up at the entrance near the American Flag. [Please note the DIS has not sent out membership cards for several years now. We will have a membership list at check-in in case there are any questions.] Raffle tickets will also be handed out for several prizes that have been generously donated.

We will have an open microphone and if you are so inclined you may share a favorite joke (mop) or story or even song during our picnic that would be great. We will also have some Dutch music to enjoy.

If you bring your own picnic food you will want to bring your own table service or you may purchase picnic food items at the village.

There is a large covered pavilion with picnic tables and benches next to the Ice Cream Shop. The tables will be reserved for DIS members. Just follow the signs that the Dutch Village will provide.

The Dutch Village has a daily schedule of events that include a self-guided ongoing tour, scheduled demonstrations from Delftware making, wooden shoe carving, dancing and the Golden Angel (Gouden Engel) street organ which was beautifully restored and still works very well. There are a number of replicas of houses and school, and an Old Dutch farmhouse, cheese making, and antiques. There are photo opportunities and shopping.

Then, of course, there are the carousel, chair swing, Ferris wheel and a number of other rides, not to forget the petting farm! There is so much more to do – you can check the Nelis Dutch Village Guide Folder online: www.dutchvillage.com, and Facebook @Nelis Dutch Village.

Or just come and see for yourself!!

Tot Ziens!
Maria De Lugt Kocsis

[Maria De Lugt Kocsis is a DIS Board Member and has been a member of the Grand Rapids Board of Realtors, the Michigan Board of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors for thirty eight years.]