On August 15th, you can visit the Belgian Heritage Center and participate in a traditional harvest celebration. In Belgian culture, a Kermiss celebration is something that villages across Belgium share; each community participates one weekend from August to late fall. It originally consisted of a Catholic mass, followed by gatherings in homes, taverns, and dancehalls. A board member of the center, Ann Jinkins, says although they did have drive-in events last year the center is excited to host a live event again.

You can get a feel for a traditional Kermiss at the center with their authentic Belgian foods like booyah, trippe (a Belgian sausage similar to a bratwurst), hamburgers, jutt, Belgian pies, tortes, and old fashioned ice-cream made on site by using the power drive on a tractor. The event will also include various activities such as a raffle, a silent auction, an antique tractor demonstration, and a live performance from the band Mad Cats. Throughout the celebration, there will also be guided tours through the newly restored schoolhouse. The event will be held at the Belgian Heritage Center in Brussels from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and all are welcome.