DeMotte Touch of Dutch on August 10

Let’s get it started

The 2024 Touch of Dutch Festival will be held in Spencer Park on August 10 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST in DeMotte. The theme this year is Touch Down in a Dutch Town. 

Diva Rish, Executive Director of the DeMotte Chamber of Commerce, said that the Touch of Dutch festival is about “showcasing our communities and what our strengths and organizations have to offer.” The Chamber of Commerce has been responsible for organizing the event since 1981. 

Schedule

• 6:00 a.m. CST – There will be car show registration south of the baseball field. Registration will last from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m and will be $20.
• 9:00 a.m. CST – The festival officially starts, with vendors and food opening. There is free admission, free parking, and a free shuttle to the festival. Free admission to car show spectators starts.
• 9:15 a.m. CST – Halleck St closes in the lieu of the parade. 
• 10:00 a.m. CST – The Touch of Dutch Parade begins. It starts at Ace Hardware and ends south of Demotte Elementary school. Judging is held in front of the DeMotte Post Office. Linda White and Dory Lovely from McColly Real Estate will emcee and judge the parade.
• 12:00 p.m. CST – Opening ceremonies begin at the bandshell. Opening ceremonies will include Boy Scouts presenting the American and Dutch flags; National Anthem played by the KVHS Band, a Dutch speaking resident that will perform a Dutch prayer; a DeMotte resident who starred in the movie Rudy who will come up and say some words about his experience. The three-on-three basketball tournament starts located east of the band shell. Register here.
• 12:15 p.m. CST – Party Foul has a free concert at the bandshell. 
• 2:00 p.m. CST – Parade awards given at the bandshell. Car show spectating ends, and car shows awards are given. There are 3 top awards in up to 22 classes. 
• 2:30 p.m. CST – Steel Country has a free concert at the bandshell. 
• 4:30 p.m. CST – Small Town has a free concert at the bandshell. 
• 7:00 p.m. CST – Nawty has a free concert at the bandshell. 
• 9:00 p.m. CST – Fireworks will be shown. 

Being in the parade

If you’re interested in being in the parade, the entry deadline is August 4. If you wait until after the deadline, your float will be placed in the back of the line. Here’s the application to enter your organization. 

Contests

The Klompen Decorating Contest invites people to showcase their artistic abilities. To participate, visit Strack & Van Til in Demotte to purchase a $20 wooden shoe. The deadline is July 26. Winners will receive 25 Dutch Guilder, which was currency used by the Netherlands from 1434 and 2002. It can be used at the festival. The winner will also be awarded a Touch of Dutch T-shirt. 

The Window Decorating Contest is a way for local businesses to show their support for the Touch of Dutch Festival. The registration deadline and completion of displays is July 28, 2024. The winner will be notified by August 14. 

The photo contest will be available soon. Check the Facebook page to stay up to date. 

Vendors

This year, the Touch of Dutch has 70 craft vendors, and 54 food vendors. Some of the unique craft vendors include novelty license plates, wooden shoemaking, homemade dog treats, paintings, jewelry, all natural skin care, and caricatures. 

Some unique food vendors include sweet corn, tropical shaved ice, Smothered and Covered Fries, the Nut Hut, and Walking Banana Foster Puddings. 

A full list of all of the vendors can be found here. A list of sponsors can also be found here. 

The importance of the festival

According to the Jasper County Public Library, the festival started in 1975 with the Friends of the DeMotte Library. Over 2,000 visitors came and saw artists and craftsmen, and the event profited $268. The parade was added in 1976, and the DeMotte Chamber of Commerce took over responsibility in 1981. 

Extras

The Chamber of Commerce will distribute about $2,000 in Dutch Guilder. If you happen to catch one from the money thrower, you can spend it at the festival!

The Indiana Ballet Theatre dresses up in Dutch dancer costumes and has a few performances throughout the festival. 

Local veterans Harold “Hap” Haberlin and James Hart have been selected as co-Grand Marshals. Linda Duttlinger will serve as citizen of the year. 

How to get there

Spencer Park is located at 112 St SE in Demotte. Here’s a map to the festival with a parade route and to find areas to park. Keep in mind there will be a road closure during the time of the festival. Please plan accordingly.