Belgian-American Days kicks off Aug. 5

The annual three-day Belgian-American Days celebration runs from Friday, Aug. 5 to Sunday, Aug. 7 this year and promises to include as much fun and excitement as past years.
Belgian-American Days is noted for its world famous Rolle-Bolle tournament that draws people from all over the United States and even some part of Canada. The tournament will have an 'A' and 'B' Division and begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The B-A festivities kick off Friday night with the "Life's a Beach” .05k run in which contestants dress in beach attire and race 164 feet. Registration includes a bottomless beverage of beer or root beer until 9 p.m. The celebratory party also includes Lingen Dairy milkshake that is topped with a Belgian cookie in keeping with the city's heritage. Music will be provided by DJ Keith Petermeier.
Following the .05k race will be a pedal tractor pull, games and prizes.
On Saturday, there will be a free kiddy carnival and entertainment, including a petting zoo and inflatables, in Legion Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
One of the more popular events during Belgian-American Days is the 16th annual Ghent Cruisers Car Show. Registration is from 9-11 a.m. on West McQuestion Street. Signs will be posted. The car show begins at 11 a.m. with awards being handed out at 2:30 p.m. Radio host Mylan Ray will be the emcee and DJ for the show. A food stand will be at the site.
The Belgian-American Days Grande Parade, which will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, is always a big hit with young and old.
Following the parade will be a new addition to the town's event, Woody's Axe Throwing at 5 p.m. The Ghent Fire Department will also host its annual feed at the Fire Hall beginning at 5 p.m.
The street dance will begin at 9 p.m. with IV Play back by popular demand to provide musical entertainment.
There will be some food available at Iglesia Christiana Rayo De Luz, a mini donut stand, and the Lingen Dairy Truck. KB's will offer breakfast at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. Eloi Church. Services will also be held at Iglesia Christiana Rayo De Luz at that time.