Record Crowds, Beautiful Weather Highlight 18th Annual Dutch Festival

October 2, 2013

The 18th Annual Elim Dutch Festival, held on Saturday, September 28, featured beautiful weather which resulted in record attendance at the annual event that raises funds for the programming at the Chicago-based ministry serving over 1,000 people with disabilities. 

Guests at the event enjoyed traditional Dutch foods and shopping, presentations by the Dutch History Live group from Holland, Michigan, in full Dutch costume, as well as American food favorites and entertainment.  Children of all ages could participate in the fun with a variety of children’s games, crafts, magic shows, and reptile shows.  Adults enjoyed the variety of shops, farmer’s market and entertainment.  The featured groups at the event – The Harbor Lights Doo Wop group and a contemporary Christian rock band Broken Halos from Elmhurst, IL – packed in fans of all ages.  Meanwhile, Elim’s Worship Team and the Elim School Choir again delighted thousands of festival-goers with their love of music and praises to God.

The Elim Dutch Festival was generously supported by hundreds of donors and volunteers as well as sponsors from our community.  These sponsors include:  Marvin & Donna Aardema, Beth & Tim Bolt, Dutch Farms, Fifth Third Bank, Hoving Recycling and Disposal, Peter & Heidi Huizenga, Henry & Grace Kamp, Lagestee-Mulder Commercial Construction & Real Estate, Olthof Homes, Providence Bank, Schaaf Window Co., Inc., Standard Bank, The Private Bank, Van Drunen Farms, Van Til’s Supermarket, and Walt's. The total proceeds for the event from the festival day and sponsorships is estimated at $247,000 and will be used to purchase specialized equipment, vehicles, technology, and other items that will directly benefit over 1,000 people with disabilities from age 3 to age 83.

The 19th Annual Dutch Festival will take place next year on Saturday, September 27, 2014.  Please watch www.elimcs.org for more details.