This year’s Dutch Fest featured baked goods, gifts and entertainment, but the list of good things was topped for many at the event by the help that host Elim Christian Services offers to people with disabilities.
The 26th annual festival at Elim’s campus in Crestwood drew hundreds of people, including many who use wheelchairs or who came with the help of a family member of friend. Here they weren’t shuffled along by the crowd, but embraced as an integral part of the community. Funds from the event help support the nonprofit’s many services.
There was a pancake breakfast, colorful village stands with Dutch decorations and mugs for sale, food such as bankets (pastries with almond filling), oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts), and rodekool (red cabbage, pea soup) to reflect the Dutch heritage of the area, along with the more traditional American fare of pizza, hamburgers, popcorn and caramel apples.
“We have to come for our baked goods,” said Beverly Kujawa, of La Grange. “We love the food court and fresh veggies.”
Kujawa came with her dad, David Riderhoff, who said he enjoyed the festival’s social aspect.
“You meet a lot of different people and Elim helps the kids who are disabled. We’ve got to be thankful,” Riderhoff said, pointing to his wheelchair.
Musical entertainment was provided by Tracy Stingley and Friends and wooden shoe dancers. A wooden shoe carver also offered his wares for sale.
The event was a big hit for youngsters who enjoyed pony and train rides, a petting zoo and a reptile show.
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Melanie Stuursma, of Crestwood, brought her 3-year-old daughter, Penelope.
“Everything they have for the kids and the authentic Dutch foods and products to buy,” said Stuursma, whose husband is Dutch. “It’s nice to see authentic things from his culture.”
Kim Merrick, an Elim volunteer, came with her grandson, Jack Mollema to enjoy the children’s activities for the first time.
“I so love it,” said Merrick, of Tinley Park. “Both my parents worked at Elim, so it has a special place in my heart. We just love coming and supporting the school and all the wonderful things they do.”
Elim is well known for its school for students age 3 to 22 with developmental and physical disabilities. An adult services program offers job training as well. Elim has a close relationship with the Reformed Church of North America and the programs are taught from a Christian perspective.
“It connects people with disabilities in a way that makes them feel special,” said Renita Van Solkema, who chairs the festival. “For the students at Elim, this is an opportunity for them to share their school and how special their community is.”
Bill Lodewyk, president of Elim for 22 years, was the event’s “burgemeester.” He said festival keeps growing in popularity and guessed about 5,000 people showed up.
“I think in today’s world there’s often so much to be discouraged about, and we have this unique opportunity to promote a family-friendly, Christian community event,” Lodewyk said. “And it’s one that’s filled with such encouragement, laughter and joy.
“I think everybody needs that.”
Catharina Lodewyk, the president’s mother, came all the way from her home in Surrey, British Columbia, to attend for the first time since before the pandemic. She was accompanied by family friend Tim Hoeksema, of Villa Park, who worked at Elim when he was 16, learning about it from the Christian Reformed Church in Englewood, which he attended at the time.
“We’re both solid Dutchmen,” said Hoeksema of himself and Bill Lodewyk.
Lodewyk smiled as she took in the sights.
“I’d love to give them (Elim) a million dollars, but I give them my son,” joked Lodewyk.
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.