DIS

DISCOVER! | NOVEMBER 28, 2015
Community | 11
RYLAN HOWE | STAFF WRITER
Here comes Sinterklaas. Here
comes Sinterklaas. Right down
Central Avenue. Astride his great
white horse and trusty helper Piet.
Families are invited to welcome them
to town and join in the parade to
town hall in Orange City.
The annual Sinterklaas Day kicks off
at 10:30 a.m. with everyone gathering
at the Stadscentrum in downtown
Orange City to greet Sinterklaas.
“There will be a brass brand and
songs to welcome Sinterklaas to
town,” Dutch Heritage Boosters board
member Randy Van Peursem said.
“Then we will parade down Central
Avenue to town hall with the town
crier heralding our arrival.”
Once at town hall the children will
get to take in a puppet show from
Lisa Laird and hear educational and
historical stories about Sinterklaas.
“We try to make the experience fun,
SINTERKLAAS
IS COMING TO TOWN
Orange City promotes history with Christmas tradition
entertaining and educational at the
same time,” Van Peursem said.
A variety of games will be set up for
children in various age groups ranging
from pre-kindergarten to fourth
grade. The games themselves, while
entertaining and fun, also have an
educational tilt.
There is Schieten Noten, or Shooting
Nuts, a Memory Game as well as
Drop the Carrot.
Traditionally children in Holland
leave shoes outside filled with carrots
and hay for Sinterklaas’ horse,
Amerigo.
“It’s educational and historical and
good, clean fun for families and kids,”
Van Peursem said. “There will be
some coloring as well and a chocolate
treat at the end.”
The whole event lasts a little over
an hour and Van Peursem thinks it’s
something everyone can enjoy.
“It’s geared towards kids and they’ll
definitely enjoy the show and games,
but really the parents have fun a lot of
times and can learn just as much.”
Check out the Dutch Heritage
Boosters Facebook page for weatherrelated
information, but be prepared
to come welcome Sinterklaas in just
about any conditions.
“We’ve done it when it’s very cold
outside and in the snow, so it takes a
lot to call it off,” Van Peursem.
Snow or shine, Sinterklaas will be
coming to town, so bring the family
to celebrate the holiday season and
a connection to Orange City’s Dutch
history and heritage. F
At a Glance:
WHAT: Sinterklaas Day
WHERE: Meet at Stadscentrum in
downtown Orange City
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
COST: Free
CONTACT: 712-707-4054
ONLINE: facebook.com/dutchheritageboosters
St. Nick:
Sinterklaas, also known as
Saint Nicholas, is dear to the
hearts of Dutch children. He can
be recognized by his eye-catching
red cape with red miter
and his long white beard. The
saintly man arrives each year in
mid-November on a steam boat
filled with gifts and together
with his helpers, all referred to
as ‘Piet’ (Peter).
For children, this means they
can put their shoe next to the
chimney or back door. At night,
Sinterklaas rides across the rooftops
on his white horse, Amerigo,
and places little treats or gifts in
the children’s shoes, assisted by
his helpers, the Peters. Traditional
sweets are gingerbread men,
spiced biscuits, marzipan and
chocolate letters. Satisfy your
sweet tooth and buy these sweets
at any supermarket or bakery.
The holiday itself is celebrated
in Dec. 5, when gifts are exchanged.
Children sing songs
to Sinterklaas at the top of their
lungs until they hear a knock on
the door. If they have been good,
they will find a bag filled with gifts
just outside the door.
- From www.holland.com
Orange City | Iowa