By CASEY NEILL
ALL things Dutch will take centre stage at Sandown Racecourse this month.
The 40th annual Holland Festival on Saturday 15 February is the biggest Dutch festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
There’ll be traditional foods – from poffertjes to oliebollen, kroketten and stroopwafels – Dutch groceries and souvenirs, sjoelbakken games and face painting.
An animal farm, music, dancing and traditional costumes will also entertain the crowds.
Long-time festival volunteer George Vlug said the event was important for the local Dutch community to keep in touch.
He’s been involved in organising the festivities since it started in 1975.
“It’s a fantastic event,” Mr Vlug said.
Sandown Racecourse is at 591-659 Princes Highway, Springvale. Vehicles enter via Princes Highway overpass and pedestrians enter via Alamein Street, gate 14.
The event runs from 10am to midnight. Entry is $20 for adults, $15 concession and free for kids aged under 15.
Visit www.hollandfestival.com.au for more information or to book tickets.
