Kermis

Kermesse, or kermis, or kirmess, is a Dutch language term derived from 'kerk' (church) and 'mis' (mass) that became incorporated in French and English. Its origins are originally associated with the mass said on the anniversary of the founding of a church (or the parish) and in honor of the Patron Saint.  Such religious celebrations were regularly held in the Low Countries, in Central Europe and also in Northern France, and were accompanied by feasting, dancing, drinking and sports. 

The Dutch-American Village of Little Chute, Wisconsin, has celebrated Kermis annually since 1981 with a street festival. The Wallonian settlements in Door and Kewaunee Counties have celebrated Kermis with traditional Belgian dishes and events for as long as anyone can remember.  

Traditionally, Kermis around here stretched over several calendar weeks as each small settlement - Namur, Brussels, Rosiere, Little Sturgeon, Forestville, Lincoln, Duvall and Casco celebrated the harvest and the life-giving bounty of food.  

I'm not of Dutch or Belgian descent - but we're celebrating our own Kermis here with With the last of our garden harvest and attending the annual Kermis festival at the local Belgian American Heritage Center in Namur.  Nothing better on a late summer afternoon than friends, neighbors, a couple of Trappist-influenced craft beers and some Belgian Church Lady food. 

Beginning in the mid-1800s and over three decades more than 5000 Belgian immigrants settled in several communities in the area.  To this day it constitutes the largest concentration of Walloon Belgians anywhere in the world outside of Belgium.  It's a national treasure.  But I digress.

Getting back to the subject of culinary traditions I happened-upon this short video published only a few years ago.  I'm sharing it as it is about the tradition of hog butchering in both English and Walloon.  Walloon is a national treasure around these parts as it's actually an endangered 'Romance Language' of the Langues d'oïl family - spoken primarily in the Wallonia region of Belgium.   

One of the elements of the past that is alive and well is a local favorite called Belgian Trippe.

Trippe (pronounced like: trip) is a sausage similar to a bratwurst but with a not-so-secret ingredient.  The thrifty Belgian settlers extended their pork sausage with the inclusion of cabbage.  Further seasoned with onion, salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg and ginger it is made locally by Marchant's.

It's pretty good stuff for breakfast, lunch or dinner and you won't find it anywhere outside of northeast Wisconsin.

Here's a newspaper clipping from 1963 with a recipe for 60+ pounds of the sausage for serving at a Kermis - or Belgian harvest festival....

click on image for a closer look

Belgian Days

The 64th Annual Brussels Lions Club Belgian Days festival is in the books.  For a small town the Belgian community sure knows how to throw a party; and party they did.

Supported by a boost in attendance, preliminary gross sales for the park concession stand, food and beverages set another record.  And it was a thirsty crowd with 86 half-barrels of beer along with an additional four kegs of hard cherry cider emptied.  Since introduced a year ago the sale of vodka-infused (Class B permit) seltzer and lemonade adult beverages - such as Carbliss, NÜTRL and Mike's Hard Lemonade sales have exploded to enhance the festival's bottom line. 

When was the last time you got to step-up and show-off your strongman skills?

You can at Belgian Days.

And Sunday closed with some traditional peninsula country music magic to include our own local Modern Day Drifters... 

Belgian Days

By the time you read this I'll be pulling my first and last shift as a volunteer at the Brussels Lions Club 64th Annual Belgian Days.

The festivities begin with a parade that begins at St. Francis and St. Mary Church, winds thru town and makes the final turn to land at Brussels Town Park.  There will be the last of boys and girls youth tournament baseball and softball.  The last of the food and beverages.  The last band as well. We're hopeful to sell out of everything with the exception of a few remaining kegs of beer.  

With all hands on desk, taking everything down comes-together pretty quickly.  And after everything has been cleaned and stored the opportunity to kick back with your neighbors and finish-off the last of the beer with a beautiful peninsula sunset is an appealing prospect.  Sure, there will remain some odds and ends to be performed on Monday; but the heavy lift will be in the rear view mirror.

Once we have an after action report I'll endeavor to report some of the results of this once a year fundraiser.  Brussels Lions don't host a periodic brat fry at the grocery, sell roses, chocolates or other stuff for fundraising.  Our club does everything in one fell swoop. One and done.  I'm not implying it is better; but it works for us and our unique circumstances.

In case you're wondering here's pricing on beverages

And this is what making the third batch of booyah looks like.  Naturally that is wood fired cooking....

 

 

Belgian Days

The Brussels Lions Club 64th Annual Belgian Days kicked-off on Friday afternoon with two ball fields hosting youth teams from all over for a weekend tournament. It is a big deal for youth baseball and softball in northeast Wisconsin to travel here for a weekend of ball.  How big a deal you ask?  I am told organizers have more applicants than slots.  My only regret is that as a working volunteer I did not have time to sit in the stands and watch play on one of the two fields and take some action photos.  Maybe another year.

As for the fundraising for the Lions Club I am also told that the preliminary numbers are looking better that last year - and naturally other prior years.  Anecdotally, I can tell you that with two bands on the schedule for Saturday sales were brisk for the first shift (mine) which has traditionally been slower-paced.  Time will tell. 

The first band on-deck was Carbon Road.

A high energy keep em dancing act they were a high energy production.  Song selections ranging from the 60s to current pop, country and full tilt Rock 'n Roll. Five multi-talented musicians with years of experience converge on the stage to present a professional, interactive and crowd pleasing show.  Outstanding vocals!  Website including playlists here.

Here is their opening number....  

 

Edit to add - Second band on tap was Star Six Nine.  

Established in 2008, Star Six Nine has played everything from the big stages at Summerfest, to Festivals, to Bars and even backyard BBQs. Winners of the 2019 WAMI Cover Band of the Year and nominated many years prior to that.

3 lead singers and WAMI nominated musicians keeps the night interesting, paired with great sound and lights!

Rock? Pop? Country? They bring it to the stage.

More about the band including their playlist here.

Yesterday's opening number and kudos to the little kids.  Belgian Days is a family-friendly event after-all.... 

Belgian Days

The Brussels Lions Club 64th Annual Belgian Days kicked-off yesterday afternoon with two ball fields hosting youth teams from all over for a weekend tournament. 

All kinda food and beverages including Belgian specialties such a jutt, trippe and Belgian pie. There is Booyah too.  And live music all weekend long including two bands tomorrow and another on Sunday. 

Boogie and the Yo-Yoz returned this year for a Marquee 30th Anniversary performance.  As part of their milestone celebration, Boogie and the Yo-Yoz are hosting a select series of shows that feature special appearances by past members who helped shape the band’s legacy over the past three decades.  Belgian Days is one of them!

I rose early today to get over to the town park for Belgian Waffles and breakfast trippe. 

If ever you plan a trip to the peninsula be sure to mark your calendar as Belgian Days is always held the second weekend of July.

 

Look for me; there's a good chance I'll be behind the bar serving adult beverages.  

 

Belgian Days

The Belgian flag flies proudly this weekend…

 

First Pony Car

 

From the 4th Annual BUG Firefighters Car and Motor Show there is a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda - easily identified by the distinctive fastback wraparound rear glass.

Based on the Valiant the Barracuda launched on April 1, 1964. The new model used the Valiant's wheelbase, hood, headlamp bezels, windshield, vent windows, quarter panels, doors, A-pillar, and bumpers; the trunk and some of the glass was new.  The greatest effort was put into creating its ginormous rear window, a collaboration between Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) and Chrysler designers that created the largest ever installed on a standard production car to that time.  The fold-down rear seat was a novelty at the time.

The power train was identical to the Valiant's, including two versions of Chrysler's slant-6 engine.  The highest-power option for 1964 was Chrysler's all-new 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 equipped with a two-barrel carburetor producing 180 HP.  1964 was the first for the Barracuda and also the last year for push-button control of the optional Torqueflite automatic transmission.

Later generations, like the third generation introduced in 1970, moved to the Chrysler E-body platform and featured more aggressive styling and muscle.

Fun Fact - The Barracuda launch beat the Ford Mustang by two weeks; it's the first

Pony Car. 

Henry Ford Got It Right

From the 4th Annual BUG Firefighters Car and Motor show there were a couple of Ford Model Automobiles - the car that succeeded the iconic Model T.

The Ford Model A was introduced on December 2, 1927, as the replacement for the long-running Model T, which had been in production for an amazing 18 years. 

 

The Model A was designed to be lower and sleeker than its predecessor, incorporating styling elements influenced by Edsel Ford. It featured a more powerful and smoother four-cylinder engine compared to the Model T, and included mechanical advancements like a three-speed sliding-gear transmission, four-wheel brake system, and hydraulic shock absorbers. 

The 1928 Model A was an immediate sensation upon its release, and Ford received 400,000 orders in less than two weeks. Production remained strong through the early years of the Great Depression, with over 1.2 million cars built in 1930. 

The Model A was produced until 1931, with production ceasing in late 1931 for passenger cars while commercial vehicle production continued into 1932.  It was replaced by a new line of cars featuring V-8 engines in the 1932 model year. 

 

The presence of these two automobiles at the Brussels Town Park is further evidence that Henry y

Ford got it right.

Crown Vic

 

From the 4th Annual BUG Firefighters Car and Motor Show there is a 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria, a classic American car known for its stylish two-tone paint and sweeping chrome trim. Specifically, the "Victoria" model was a pillarless hardtop coupe—distinctive for having no fixed door frame between the front and rear side windows, giving it a sleek, open look when the windows were down.

If you're at an auto show a handful of identifiers include the "Fairlane" script on the front fender, the distinctive "V" shaped emblem with a crown (a 1956 Fairlane trademark) and the two-tone paint and heavy chrome detailing, common in mid-1950s American automotive design.

The 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria arrived at a pivotal time in American automotive history, representing the optimistic, forward-looking spirit of postwar America.  This model was unveiled in 1955 and named after Henry Ford’s estate, Fair Lane, in Dearborn, Michigan.

Until the introduction of the Galaxie in 1959 this was Ford’s top-tier model which enjoyed an intense rivalry with the Chevrolet Bel Air.  The 1956 version featured a new safety focus, including optional seatbelts, a padded dashboard and a Deep-Dish steering wheel to reduce chest injury in a crash under the "Lifeguard Design" safety campaign—pioneering at the time.

The drive train ranged from a 223 cu in (3.7L) inline-6 to a 292 or 312 cu in (4.8–5.1L) V8; offering respectable horsepower for the time.  Transmission options included a 3-speed manual, Ford-O-Matic (automatic), and even overdrive.

This is a smart-looking drive from whence I arrived on the scene.

Dead To Rights

From the BUG Firefighters Car And Motor Show - behold 1953 Buick Super Hearse.  

Identification includes trademark features such as the signature "toothy" chrome grille - very distinctive for Buicks of this era.  VentiPorts; the three chrome portholes on each front fender identify it as a Buick Super (Roadmasters had four).  Sweeping side trim was classic to Buick’s early '50s styling.

The extended rear cabin and high roof line are indicative of those models manufactured specifically as a limousine - and convertible to hearse or ambulance use. 

This baby still has the original 6 volt electrical system, straight 8 engine and Dynaflow automatic transmission.

It's for sale - $18,000 OBO.

People are dying to own it....

 

Airport Limo

From the BUG Firefighters Car and Motor Show last weekend there is this.  

This is an eye-catching restoration of a previously customized factory automobile — a stretched limousine based on a late 1930s Chevrolet, likely a 1939 Chevy Master Deluxe or LaSalle modified into a limousine-style ride.

This is not a factory vehicle but a custom stretch, originally modified for an airport or funeral limousine.  It features streamlined art deco design - the chrome detailing and sweeping lines are typical of late-1930s GM styling including a raised roof line.  This was likely added for additional headroom and dramatic visual impact.   

LaSalle, introduced in 1927 by General Motors, was intended as a more affordable and sportier alternative to Cadillac. In 1937, it was equipped with Cadillac V8 engines. 1940 was the final year for the LaSalle nameplate as Cadillac offered a similarly priced model under its own brand. The 1939 model year, with its long vertical grille and bullet-shaped headlights and side grille work for engine cooling is considered particularly iconic. 

Present day upgrades include a performance engine and drive train and custom seating and upholstery.  

It's a pretty cool ride. 

 

Car And Motor Show

 

Possibly the biggest small town car show in northeast Wisconsin. 

B.U.G. Firefighters Rock!

Today delivered perfect weather for the 4th Annual Show featuring two live bands, food, beverages, and a mind-boggling array of antique, classic and new automobiles, tractors and motorcycles.

I'll post some pics over the next week or so and with the assistance of AI likely provide some details and backstory on what you're look'n at.

See you one the flip side!   

1961 Volkswagen Type 2 - also known as a Microbus, or Kombi. The split windshield indicates it's from the "Splitty" generation (officially the T1), produced between 1950 and 1967.  This model features the safari pop-out windshield windows and white bumpers.  It also happens to be a pick-up version. The rear features two side panels and a tail gate when latched in the upright position conform to a pick-up tub.  They fold down to also create a flatbed. Clever! 

Dump Run

Trip to the dump today.  

Two barrels of mixed recyclables and three tall kitchen bags of garbage.

Unlike city dwellers - who enjoy municipal curbside garbage and recyclables pick-up - in rural America you have to haul your trash and recyclables to the town waste disposal facility (the dump).  Sure, we could pay extra to an outside contractor for end-of-the-driveway pick-up of a couple of carts.  But considering the minimal amount of waste we generate it doesn't seem economical.  Besides, a trip to the dump is something of a social affair on a Saturday morning and I'm almost guaranteed to bump into someone I know and have the opportunity for some idle chit chat and local gossip.  Moreover, I can combine it with a stop at the grocery or general store in town.  

The vehicle in the picture is our first and only pick-up truck - a 1998 Chevy 1500 Silverado 4X4 with a towing package and a matching cap on the back.  We took delivery of it in early autumn of 1997 which means it celebrates its 28th birthday this coming fall.

It has made multiple trips to Canada and the Gulf Coast and everywhere in between, pulled a boat countless times for fishing and recreational cruising and has hauled more dead deer than I can count.

It lives in its own stall in the machine shed, doesn't leak or leave spots on the concrete and started this morning in 14 degree weather on the first crank.  You can tell by looking at it it's pretty clean.  It even has an AM/FM cassette stereo.  In a couple more years I suppose it officially becomes an antique.

At 135,000+ miles it doesn't owe me a thing and at least once a year someone will approach me and ask if it's for sale.  It isn't.  A similarly-equipped Chevy today would cost about what I paid for my first house in 1984.  Scary, eh? 

Belgian Days

I cannot comment on the hundreds of pounds of Belgian Trippe, hamburgers, hotdogs, gallons of booyah that were sold from the kitchen.  As a licensed bartender I worked the bar.

The Brussels Lions Club sold 71 half-barrels of beer and 4 kegs of Von Stiehl cherry cider.  There was also the sale of an unknown number of vodka-infused fruity seltzers, hard iced tea and hard lemonade.  The latter seem to be a trending 'thing'.

Tending bar at the east end closest to the rock and roll bands has likely accelerated my hearing loss.  Nevertheless, Sunday brings welcome relief from the Modern Day Drifters and country music which is easier on the ears. 

Besides who doesn't like Waylon, Willie and The Boys with some pedal steel thrown-in for good measure...

 

Belgian Days

Busy Saturday at Belgian Days.

Boy's and girl's baseball and softball tournaments.  

Ring the bell.

Booyah to be cooked over a wood fire.

Refreshing adult beverages. 

Terrific food.  And if you're lucky Miss Door County will serve you. 

Live Music from WAMI Award winning Oshkosh band - Road Trip

 

And following the rain there was a rainbow.

Today is Sunday.  Which means all of the above and a parade to start...

The Garden Chronicles

The tomato avalanche has possibly begun to peter-out.  The nights are incredibly cooler and even the days not so hot any longer.

Nevertheless, we're eating these delectable fruits daily and canning them while I go.

Obtained from the Pioneer Pantry in Brussels This is my first year raising San Marzano tomatoes.  Tasty and plentiful!  I'll do these again.  Maybe even exclusively.

Come February ordinarily normal individual would commit high crimes and misdemeanors for fresh, homegrown tomatoes.

Seven pints of San Marzano sunshine!

Making Hay

I think these are the larger 8’x4’x3’ bales. 

 

In the English countryside of Wiltshire County west of Amesbury you will find Stonehenge.

 

In the Wisconsin countryside of Door County south of Brussels you will find Balehenge.....

 

 

Belgian Days

It's Belgian Days this weekend,

Preparations began almost a year ago and really ramped-up this last week.  Now we're in the thick of it with the finale scheduled for today.

I'll publish a recap post when I have time.  For now there us this.

The national flag of Belgium is a tricolor consisting of three equal vertical bands displaying the national colors of Belgium: black, yellow, and red. The colors were taken from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant, and the vertical design may be based on the flag of France.

Neither of us share a single drop of Belgian blood; nevertheless to honor our neighbors with Belgian ancestry this time of year we fly the Belgian colors.

 

Door County Basics

In the 1800s  Belgian immigrants settled in Wisconsin and brought with them culinary traditions that persist to today.

The largest wave of Belgians arrived between 1853 and 1858.  They spoke a French-influenced patois and settled the wooded land extending from Green Bay to the southernmost extent of Door County.  By the 1880s there were more than 5000 people of Belgian descent who had settled in several communities in the area.  To this day it constitutes the largest concentration of Walloon Belgians anywhere in the world outside of Belgium.  It's a national treasure.  But I digress.

Getting back to the subject of culinary traditions I happened-upon this short video published only a few years ago.  I'm sharing it as it is about the tradition of hog butchering in both English and the original lingua franca. 

One of the elements of the past that is alive and well is a local favorite called Belgian Trippe.

Trippe (pronounced like trip) is a sausage similar to a bratwurst but with a not-so-secret ingredient.  The thrifty Belgian settlers extended their pork sausage with the inclusion of cabbage.  Further seasoned with onion, salt, pepper, thyme, nutmeg and ginger it is made locally by Marchant's.

It's pretty good stuff for breakfast, lunch or dinner and you won't find it anywhere outside of northeast Wisconsin.

Here's a newspaper clipping from 1963 with a recipe for 60+ pounds of the sausage for serving at a Kermis - or Belgian harvest festival....

click on image for a closer look

 

 

Good Eats

Sourdough boule #3.

 

Me thinks I have the recipe figured-out. 

And because there are garden tomatoes continuing to ripen in the garage, the other night delivered BLTs. 

Some of my friends tell me that Nueske’s is the Gold Standard of bacon. Nonsense. Marchant’s bacon is. 

And by the time December rolls-around home-grown tomatoes will be a fond memory.