Orange City, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Orange City will be filled with orange this weekend as the community celebrates Koningsdag, or King’s Day, on Saturday, April 25th.
The event, inspired by a national holiday in the Netherlands honoring King Willem-Alexander’s birthday, is now in its third year in Orange City and continues to grow as a spring kickoff to Tulip Festival season.
Sharon Foudy, Chamber Merchant President and Orange City Arts President, says the day is designed to be a community-wide celebration.
Activities will take place throughout the day at multiple locations, including downtown, Windmill Park, and the Dutch American Heritage Museum
At the museum, doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free admission. Visitors can enjoy appearances by the Tulip Queen and her court, Dutch music and dance demonstrations, children’s games, and hands-on activities such as traditional Dutch “stickwork” painting. A local band, A Moment’s Sunshine, will perform live from 1 to 3 p.m.
Downtown, merchants will offer discounts — some up to 50 percent or more — alongside community-wide garage sales, food vendors, and live music from local student groups between 10 a.m. and noon. The Orange City Farmers Market will also kick off its season in Windmill Park, where families can take part in “Chalk the Walk” activities.
One family-focused stop will be at the Little White Store from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring coloring activities, sidewalk chalk, and fresh poffertjes available for purchase.
Throughout the day, residents and visitors are encouraged to wear orange, and some businesses will offer discounts for those who do.
Organizers say one of the highlights of the event is how easy it is to explore.
The day wraps up with the Sioux County Oratorio concert at 7:30 p.m. at Northwestern College.
Sarah Huyser of the Dutch American Heritage Museum says the event continues to build momentum each year.
Organizers say there’s something for everyone.
More information, including a full schedule of events, can be found on the Orange City Chamber and Dutch American Heritage Museum Facebook pages, as well as the Orange City website.
KIWA Staff Photo
