Elim Christian Services' Dutch Fest Returns Saturday In Crestwood

CRESTWOOD, IL — There’s something for everyone at the Elim Dutch Festival, where fest goers can celebrate and learn about the culture and customs of Holland and the Netherlands. This year, Elim Christian Services will celebrate a special 25th annual Dutch Festival in-person on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The Dutch Festival offers fun for the whole family. Begin the day with a free and delicious Pannenkoek “pancake” breakfast (donations accepted) which runs from 7:30-10 a.m. Browse the colorful Farmer’s Market and Elim’s Dutch Village shops, including this year’s new Kinderen (Children’s) Shop, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. High-quality toe-tapping entertainment acts will delight audiences of all ages throughout the day from the Main Stage tent (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Be sure to come hungry because you’ll want to nibble throughout the day at the Food Court on great Dutch and American cuisine like banket (pastries with almond filling), hutspot (beef and potatoes), oliebollen (Dutch pastry), pizza, hamburgers, bratwurst, hot dogs, and more – all at affordable prices.

Everyone in your family will be delighted by the Dutch “wooden shoe” dancers and amazing reptile shows, and kids will also enjoy the petting zoo, train rides, and pony rides, in addition to the Children’s Games area.

Parking, shuttle bus service, and admission is free. Tickets for the Children’s Games and Food Court can be purchased at the event or pre-purchased online.

All proceeds from the Dutch Festival event go to support the mission and work of Elim Christian Services, equipping children and adults with disabilities to thrive at Elim and beyond. Elim is an oasis where everyone is celebrated, loved, and equipped to pursue their God-given potential. Visitors will feel that when they step onto the campus on Saturday morning, and will leave feeling blessed by having contributed to this work.

The Dutch Festival is held on the east campus of Elim Christian Services, 13020 S Central Ave, Crestwood, approximately 23 miles south/southwest of downtown Chicago. For questions, contact Laura Schnyders at 708-293-6509 or email info@elimcs.org.

Main Stage Performance Schedule

25th Dutch Festival Celebration

Proposed Time Entertainment

7:30-10am Pancake Breakfast
8am-4pm Stores & Ticket Booths Open
8:30-10:30a Broken Halos (main stage)
9am Bridge Dedication
9am-3:30pm Pony Rides
9am-4pm Food Court, Games, Petting Zoo, & Train Rides
10:30-10:45am Opening Ceremonies (main stage)
10:45-10:55am Pursue Possibilities (main stage)
10:50-11:10am Dutch History Live Wooden Shoe Dancers (Children’s Games area)
11am-12:15pm Reptile Show (tent in playground area south of Food Court)
11am-12pm Fiddle Fire (main stage)
11am Kid’s Parade (Children’s Games Area)
12-12:10pm Afternoon Welcome (main stage)
12:10-1:10pm Fiddle Fire (main stage)
12:45-1pm Dutch History Live Wooden Shoe Dancers (Children’s Games area)
1-2:15pm Reptile Show (tent in playground area south of Food Court)
1:10-1:20pm Pursue Possibilities (main stage)
1:30-4pm Main Street Dueling Pianos (main stage)
1:45-2:05pm Dutch History Live Wooden Shoe Dancers (Children’s Games area)