About This Festival
The Holland Community Fest is a lively three-day event held annually in Holland, Indiana, typically in mid-September. The 2025 festival runs from September 12 to 14 at Holland Park, known as “A Dutch Touch in a German Town.” It celebrates community spirit with a diverse lineup including food booths, a beer garden, live music, games, contests, crafts, and family-friendly activities centered around Holland's historic windmill and Henke Stadium.
Event Atmosphere and Location:
The festival takes place in a charming small-town setting in Dubois County, with venues like Henke Stadium, the Large Shelter House, Holland Park, and Bungalow Bar hosting various activities. The vibe is welcoming and family-oriented, encouraging participation across all age groups with many hands-on and spectator events. The historic windmill adds a unique Dutch cultural touch to the environment, enhancing the outdoor festival ambiance.
Festival Highlights and Activities:
- Friday Evening: Food booths open at 5 pm; the official Opening Ceremony is at 6 pm in Henke Stadium, followed by the Little Miss & Mister contest and the Kid Zone (6 pm to 10 pm). The Beer Garden also opens at 6 pm with live music starting at 8 pm (Guilty Pleasure band).
- Saturday:
- Morning: Tulip Trot 5K and kids’ run at 8 am starting at Henke Stadium; Farm-to-Table Breakfast from 8-10 am.
- Dutch Games on the softball field from 9:30-10:30 am.
- Food booths and Craft & Farmers Market open at 10 am until 4 pm.
- St. Henry Jeep Run registration starts at 10:30 am at Bungalow Bar; jeeps depart at noon and end at the fest.
- Kiddie Tractor Pull at 11 am; Ice Cream Eating Contest at noon in Henke Stadium.
- Silly Safari at 1 pm; Kid Zone reopens at 2 pm.
- Rocket demonstration by Ring Rocketry at 5:30 pm in Henke Stadium.
- Beer Garden reopens at 6 pm with live music starting at 8 pm (MixTape 80’s tribute). Food booths close at 11 pm.
- Sunday:
- Community church service at 10 am in Henke Stadium.
- Holland American Legion dinners at 11 am, followed by the Half Pot drawing at noon.
Other activities include the annual Weiner Dog Race and a Dutch Pot half pot raffle, adding fun and community fundraising elements. The Kid Zone features inflatables and games for children, supporting a family-friendly atmosphere throughout.
History and Tradition:
Holland Community Fest has longstanding roots in the community, with a tradition of blending Dutch heritage and local culture. The 2025 event is noted as the 166th Holland Fest, emphasizing a rich history of celebration and community gathering. It highlights Holland's blend of Dutch and German influences, which reflects in the festival’s food, crafts, and themed games.
Accessibility:
The event is handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusive enjoyment for all attendees.
Contact and Further Info:
For questions or more information, the town can be contacted at (812) 631-4330 or through their website at hollandindiana.us.
Overall, the Holland Community Fest offers a robust schedule of cultural, culinary, and entertaining activities, making it a significant and vibrant community event that attracts locals and visitors alike.