Netherlands Bazaar 2015

It comes only once very two years, so today was the day for the Netherlands Bazaar in the usual place, the Thornhill Community Centre and Arena near Toronto. It's a gathering of Dutch folk, Dutch foods, Dutch souvenirs, as well as stalls for flowers, used books, antiques, knitting, candies, kaas (cheese) of course, licorice, and much more. There's a stall for fish, another for poffertjies (mini pancakes, and an area set up for dining on croquettes, cheese sandwiches, snert (Dutch pea soup), and Dutch pasteries. Some workers are in traditional Dutch costumes, others were in bright orange togs - which is fun.

However, the event itself wasn't as fun as previous years. The food and wares were fine but some of the staff were rude, others clueless. There was a band playing traditional tunes and such to elevate the atmosphere. Strangely absent: Smoked eel. It's always on the menu. And no Taai-taai (a kind of gingerbread). Alas, we found some stuff, had lunch, and went home for a rest. Tonight we are off to celebrate my Uncle Martin's 80th birthday!

See Extra Photos for a few more fun shots.