Zeeland to celebrate 175th anniversary with week of events
ZEELAND — Zeeland will host a week of events next month to commemorate its 175th anniversary.
More:Zeeland turns 175. Learn about the families behind the city.
In the week before Zeeland’s annual Pumpkinfest, daily events will celebrate the city's founding in 1847. All events are “complimentary” according to the city website, but online registration is encouraged or required for certain events.
Zeeland was settled in 1847 by a group of Dutch immigrants seeking religious freedom. The group met as a church prior to coming to the U.S. — congregating in Jannes Vande Luyster’s barn under Rev. Cornelius Vander Meulen. The two men organized the migration to what is now Zeeland.
In April 1949, the first village plat of Zeeland was recorded, consisting of four quadrants. Zeeland’s first election was held in 1851, resulting in the organization of Zeeland Township. Zeeland was incorporated as a village in 1875, with Daniel Baert elected president. The village became a city in 1907, with P.H. De Pree elected as the first mayor.
The city invites the community to join in celebrating and retelling that history with a week of special events, beginning Sunday, Oct. 2, with an organ and trumpet recital. The Great Lakes Duo, including organist Rhonda Edgington and trumpeter Brian Richenbach, will perform at 5 p.m. at Second Reformed Church.
Monday will feature self-guided historic walking tours at the Dekker Huis Museum. Those interested can pick up a tour route and take a one-hour, self-guided stroll through “some of Zeeland and Groningen’s most historic sites.”
Routes can be picked up from 3-6 p.m. at Dekker Huis Museum, 37 E. Main Ave. in Zeeland. Dutch treats will be available at the end of the tour.
Subscribe:Learn more about our latest subscription offers!
The community is invited to a free celebration dinner and a narrated story of Zeeland’s founding Tuesday, Oct. 4. The event will run 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Vande Luyster Square on the corner of Church Street and Central Avenue.
It will feature an outdoor buffet-style meal, storytelling by Kit Karsten, live music by Michigan IO, face painting, kids crafts and limited edition commemorative anniversary merchandise.
Harvest Stand Ministries will hold a food drive during the event. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable pantry items to donate.
Historic Trolley Tours will be held Wednesday and Thursday, beginning in the parking lot of First Reformed Church. Attendees will hop aboard a traditional trolley for a 45-minute tour featuring local history, architecture and fun facts about Zeeland.
Tours will be held every hour on the hour from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday and noon-6 p.m. Thursday. Reservations are encouraged.
Finally, a traditional tea social is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 7. This event “promises social time, curated displays of Zeeland’s history and time to share with friends new and old.” Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
The event will be held 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Historic New Groningen Schoolhouse. Reservations are required.
The celebration will conclude with Pumpkinfest on Friday-Saturday, Oct. 7-8, where an exhibit and parade will focus on the anniversary among family-friendly fun.
The oldest living descendants of Zeeland’s first settlers will be honored as Grand Marshals of the Pumpkinfest Parade.
For more information and registration links, visit feelthezeel.com.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland to celebrate 175th anniversary with week of events
