It was a beautiful evening for Sinterklaas to arrive. No blinding snow storm, no howling wind, or sub-zero temperatures. There was good Dutch food, Christmas cookies, wonderful crafts for sale, and Christmas greenery
Sinterklaas arrived at Kerstmarkt before the parade through the streets.
Kerstmarkt is a European-style open air market.
We waited at Kerstmarkt for Sinterklaas because there was food!!! This is a West Michigan Metwurst in a bun. Karin from the Netherlands commented that in the Netherlands Metwurst is a dried sausage; not in Holland, Michigan.
First United Methodist Church has a booth with all their wonderful Dutch food offerings.
Yummy!!!!
They put beef and pork in their Pigs-in-the-Blanket. I like just pork but theirs are delicious!!!
Besides food there were wonderful hand-made crafts for sale.
And beautiful Christmas greenery.
Lovely Advent wreath.
Zwarte Piets welcome Sinterklaas. In Holland, Michigan, Sinterrklaas' helper Zwart Piet is represented by college students from Hope College. Zwart Piet possibly started out as a Moorish servant from the original lifetime of the Bishop. He leads Sinterklaas' horse down the streets of the parade route. On St. Nicholas Eve, he rides with Sinterklaas across the roof tops to deliver gifts down the chimney.
He's here!!!!
Sinterklaas gives last minute instructions to his Zwart Piets.
Sinterklaas meets with the Town Crier.
Our youngest Grandson is not sure he wants to be so close to Sinterklaas.
Sinterklaas' horse is enormous so he gets help to mount.
Ready for the parade through town.
One Zwarte Piet has the honor of carrying Sinterklaas' staff.
Sinterklaas offers his blessing.
The youngest members of two generations of my family. My youngest holding his youngest who is the our youngest Grandson.
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