Since the area was settled by Belgian colonists in 1880-81, the city of Ghent has celebrated its Belgian heritage. This year the celebration will take place today-Sunday.
However, nobody knows for how long they've been holding Belgian American Days there.
"There's nothing documented about how long it's been going on," said Heidi Runia, president of the Belgian American Days committee. "But it's a great weekend to get everybody in the community together - individuals, groups, couples. Some things you can do by yourself or bring your family and do together."
And of course, there'll be rolle bolle.
"The biggest thing about being Belgian is rolle bolle," Runia said. "There's a committee that keeps up the court and hopefully we can attract new people and keep the sport alive."
One of the highlights on Saturday will be the 6th annual car show, organized by the Ghent Cruisers car club. The club has 11 members in town, who own vehicles manufactured from 1928 to the 1970s.
"The committee asked us to put on a car show to provide more entertainment and events," said car show organizer Joette Remme. "We're expecting 50 to 75 vehicles."
Along with all the regular events, this year will have new things to do including caricature artists, a farmers market on Saturday, Zumba, and a petting zoo, Runia said.
Schedule
Today
6 p.m. Bean bag tournament begins, registration at 5 p.m. in front of KB's
6-9 p.m. Caricature artists by Gerrety and Sterner Art
7-8 p.m. Live music with Smitty and the Sound
8 p.m. Live raffle drawing
8 p.m. Rolle bolle hat tournament, sign up by 7:30 p.m.
10 p.m.-1 a.m. Music by DJ Steve Coequyt
Saturday
7-10 a.m. Farmers market (next to Cenex)
8 a.m. KB's Bar and Grill open for breakfast
8 a.m. Softball tournament begins
9:30 a.m. Car show registration begins
10-11 a.m. Zumba, $5 fee, in front of KB's
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jessica's Little Rascals petting zoo, in the park
11 a.m. Bean bag tournament, registration begins at 10 a.m.
11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 6th annual car show
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free kid's games in the park
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Caricature artists by Gerrety and Sterner Art
11:30 a.m. Rolle bolle team tournament sign up 10 p.m. tonight
Noon-3:30 p.m. Bingo (KB's Ballroom)
Noon-6 p.m. Inflatable rides /interactive games (ice arena)
2-3 p.m. Zumbatomic (in front of KB's) free Zumba for kids ages 4-12
4:30 p.m. Grand parade
Following parade: Su Fu Du drumline performance outside fire department
Ghent Fire Department supper - burgers and brats
6 p.m. Horse pie bingo
9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free street dance with Nasty Habit in front of KB's
Sunday
8 a.m. KB's Bar and Grill open for breakfast
8 a.m. Softball tournament continues
10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Eloi