Hope College joined the Holland Community Saturday, Sept. 9 to feature live music at a traditional picnic, celebrate a new era in Hope football and women’s soccer and see the sights of Windmill Island Gardens in the celebration of the 52nd annual Hope/Holland Community Day.
Windmill Island Gardens proudly sports 256-year-old DeZwaan Windmill, 36-acres of gardens and Posthouse museum with shops that many of the Hope community enjoyed.
Hope staff member, Greg Olgers, shares the beginning of Community Day and the long- standing relationship between Holland residents and the faculty, students and staff of Hope.
The event debuted in October 1966 as a Community Ox Roast, held in conjunction with the Hope College centennial celebration. Like the original event, which was the idea of former mayor Nelson Bosman, subsequent Community Days have provided an opportunity for Holland and Hope to come together.
It was and will continue to be an opportunity for the students, faculty and staff to enjoy a day together in both the Holland Community and at Hope sporting events, cheering on the orange and blue Dutchmen.
Tickets allowed students and community members to attend a picnic on campus assorted with carved mojo pork loin, hamburgers, chicken tamales, vegetarian enchiladas, hot dogs and black bean burgers. The picnic was complimented with featured music from the Holland American Legion Band and Karizma.
Community exploration and outings were followed by Hope’s women’s soccer team hosting their opening game against Adrian College at Van Andel Soccer Stadium and taking the win.
Hope’s Football team led the Dutchmen to victory in their first game of the season against Defiance College at Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. The half-time show was performed by the Ottawa High School marching band. Hope spirit rang through.
“It was so great to be back on the field cheering on the Flying Dutchmen!” Hope Cheerleader, Courtney Whillhite (’19 ) shares, “We had beautiful weather and a huge turnout for Community Day. The Dutch brought home the win. The cheer team can’t wait to support the purple community at the game next this Saturday.”
The 52nd annual community day allowed Hope Dutchmen spirit to extend beyond campus.
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