And the band played on...

Oranje Boven is Dutch for Orange Above or Orange on Top and is also a rallying song from times when we were at war. It's also used at soccer matches to encourage our team to win or to celebrate when we do win. I'm not sure if it this band's name but the played lots of tunes while shoppers went about shopping at the biennial Netherlands Bazaar. Linda was among them scrounging the book room, the white elephant sale room, art room, flower & bulb stalls, etc. while I took a break with a coffee in the dining area. It's all a big fundraiser with proceeds going to people in need. They have a good market with all kinds of Dutch foods and treats, a poffertjes (mini pancakes) stand, of course, a raw (or smoked) herring and smoked eel stand.

Kaaskoppen (cheese heads) from all over congregate to get goodies, find deals, and reconnect with family and friends. It's held in the same place every time but this year they've taken over more of the community centre in Thornhill and spread out more. This is good because it gets insanely tight and hot. Also, however, more of the crowd come in scooters, walkers, and sticks and need the room to move around safely and comfortably.

Linda's blip from this event today.

Once Linda caught up we had an early lunch around 1o a.m. but you can't just pass up a bowl of snert (aka erwtensoep: Dutch split pea soup), broodje kroketten (croquette sandwiches) slathered with Dutch mustard, broodje kaas (Gouda cheese sandwich. Also ham sandwiches were available.), more Dutch coffee, and finish up with yummy gebakjes (Dutch pastries). All of these can be seen in the blip from the 2011 event.

Why Oranje/Orange?