Dutch Days Festival 2012
Always held the first weekend in May
May 4 & 5, 2012 (Friday & Saturday)
"Holland: Did You Know?"
History of Dutch Days
The first weekend in May the residents of Fulton celebrate their Dutch heritage.The first permanent Dutch settler arrived at what was to become the City of Fulton 1835.
It has never been explained why so many Holland imigrants were attracted to this small Midwestern area. The Dutch came in small numbers at first. In 1872 there were only 59 families. This grew to 198 families in only 19 years. Nearly all of these immigrants were members of the Dutch Reformed Church. The editorial comment at the time was that they made industrious, law-abiding citizens. An unknown local reporter wrote: "Their great fortune then was that they were all about evenly poor." The number of immigrants decreased gradually until after World War II when a small number of families came over.
In1974 the Community Christian School Auxiliary organized the first authentic Dutch Dinner. From this, the entire festival has developed.
The festival is held in downtown Fulton, 4th Street from 9th Avenue to 12th Avenue.
The 2012 schedule will be available in April. For an idea of the schedule, see last year's activity schedule.
Dutch Days - Schedule of Events 2012
All Day Events held Friday & Saturday include:
- Arts & Crafts Vendors
- Food & Concession Stands
- Windmill Tours
- Dutch Dancing & Costumes
- Antique Tractor Display, 8th St. & 14th Avenue
- Dutch Treasures Display, Masonic Lodge 1014 4th St.
- Quilt Show, 1000 4th St.
- Heritage Canyon w/Early American Crafters, 515 N. 4th St.
- Hindeloopen Painting Demo & Sales, Masonic Lodge 1014 4th St.
- Stippling Display, Masonic Lodge 1014 4th St.
- Parade - Saturday, 3pm
Events held at Heritage Canyon
May 4 - 6, 2012
10am - 4pm
The Early American Crafters portray pioneer living.
Cost: $2 adults and $1 children
Attention Craft & Food Vendors: If you would like an application to be a craft or food vendor during the festival (May 4 & 5), please clink the link: Arts and Crafts Application 2012
Parade Registration: Dutch Days - Parade Registration 2012
5K Run/Walk - Steve Klooster Memorial 5K Run/Walk - Saturday, May 5, 8:00 a.m. at former Fulton Fire Station. To register, visit the link: https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=5698
Click on any thumbnail to view a Dutch Days slide show.
