Celebrate Summer the Dutch Way: Kermis Children’s Festival in Pella

Pella, Iowa, located 45 minutes east of Des Moines, is known for its Dutch culture, especially at the Annual Tulip Time Festival in May. But spring is not the only time to see cultural heritage on display — you’ll find it at events throughout the year! Kermis Dutch Children’s Festival, hosted by Pella Historical Museums (who also organizes Tulip Time) is one such event.

The Origin of Kermis

An annual celebration in the Netherlands, Kermis is a carnival or festival for people of all ages. It originated as a church event honoring important anniversaries, traditionally accompanied by a fair, which offered locals a chance to take a break from their regular lives and jobs to relax and play. Today, the original church component of Kermis is gone, but the Dutch continue to celebrate with fairs and carnivals all summer long.

 

Pella Historical Museums began celebrating Kermis decades ago, and the event has experienced much change and growth over the years. It remains a family favorite, as the generations that went to the first celebrations are now bringing their own children.

 

Fun at Kermis in Pella, Iowa

What can you expect at Kermis in Pella? This family-focused event offers games, prizes, sweet and savory treats and a whole lot of fun. Kids can enjoy bouncy houses and double slide inflatables while parents take in the beautiful gardens and grounds. Play carnival games to earn prizes (everyone is a winner) and participate in an interactive storytime by one of Pella’s children’s librarians. You can’t help but tap your toe when Goliath comes out — an impressive street organ that plays a variety of familiar tunes. Of course, Kermis isn’t complete with a bag of salty popcorn or a syrupy-sweet snow cone.

 

New this year, Pella Historical has partnered with a local baker to host cookie decorating classes. For an extra fee, you can learn to decorate cookies in a style inspired by Dutch folk art. All the materials are included; you’ll get to take one cookie home and leave the other to be entered into a decorating contest! The winner will receive a custom cake for their efforts.

Your visit to Kermis also includes exploration of the Historical Village, which is not to be missed. Check out the Werkplaats where wooden shoes are made, watch a blacksmith at work, feed the hungry fish in the pond, learn about the history and Dutch heritage of Pella and so much more. There’s even a specific kids’ area called de Kinderhoek (translates from Dutch to Children’s Corner) which has recently undergone a transformation to include fun activities and a colorful new mural.

This year, Kermis will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Enter the Historical Village through the Museum Store, located around the corner on East 1st Street from the Vermeer Windmill — you can’t miss it! Admission is just $5 for adults and free for those 18 and under. Find more information and the schedule of events at pellahistorical.com/comingup.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the "Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.