Michigan Cottage Cook: DUTCH MARKTPLAATS IN HOLLAND, MICHIGAN---WONDERFUL DUTCH FOOD, HERITAGE KNITTING OR CROCHETING WITH BEADS, AND LOTS OF FUN

Today is the last day of the 2012 Tulip Festival in Holland, Mi. There are so many things to do at the Festival even when the weather has made the tulips bloom early or late. This year the tulips were just about gone by the day the festival was to start.

However, the people in Holland have a good sense of humor and offered buttons or T-shirts printed with "Stem Fest 2012."

Tulip stems for Stem Fest.

Even without tulips in bloom going to the Tulip Festival is so much fun. This joyful woman is dressed in a traditional dress from the Isle of Maarken.

There is Dutch dancing all over the city during Festival.

Dutch music fills the streets and events during Festival.

VENDORS AT THE DUTCH MARKTPLAATS

Nancy VanDerPuy of www.nancyalison.com or nancyalison@charter.net makes the most beautiful knitted beaded purses which is an old Dutch craft. Picture not taken by me: Nancy sells kits for doing your own purses.

Nancy's purses were fantastic.

This is an old Dutch pattern.

The purse that Nancy was using.

There were books on patterns available as well as kits for making a purse done by Nancy for sale.

This is a Miser Purse. Miser Purses date back to the 1800's according to Nancy. They were carried over a belt as many Victorian clothes did not have pockets.

The top of this purse is interesting. The little round top opens so you can put your hand into the purse.

The top open so your hand fits into the purse.

I like this pattern.

Mini-purses for American Dolls.

Bridal purses would make a great gift for a bride with Dutch heritage.

So beautiful.

Kathy, an artist, with a gallery in Saugatuck, Michigan paints wooden shoes and decorates them by wood burning designs in them. Picture not taken by me: Gentleman making wooden shoes with hand tools. So much to see, I can't take it all in at once.

Small wooden shoes painted by Kathy.

Kathy paints many different styles.

A beautiful Christmas decoration.

A fun flip-flop or a shoe with the toe poking out.

Tulips for the Tulip Festival.

Homemade Stoopwafels were available from www.ilovestrootwafels.com The information given out at the table says that Stroopwafels originate in Gouda, a city in the Netherlands as well as a cheese, in 1784. For my recipe for Stroopwafels go to:

http://michigancottagecook.blogspot.com/2010/12/dutch-stroopwafels-or-stroopies-for-st.html

"Stoopies are waffle cookies filled with a caramel-type syrup mixture. They are made to put on a hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa. As the cookie sets on the cup the syrup mixture heats and softens for luscious eating.

There are many clothes for American Dolls. Aren't the aprons darling?

Traditional Dutch clothing was different in each area of the Netherlands.

Tom liked his adult version of the Fisherman's hat seen on the boy doll.

The Festival is a happy place.

TRADITIONAL DUTCH FOOD

Dutch food is prepared and served by people from First United Methodist Church, Grace Episcopal Church and Fennville Assembly of God. All proceed are donated to mission projects locally and throughout the world. Mary Jo, who is the incredible cook, is on the left.