In a country with ever changing seasons,you truly appreciate it when summer comes…stays and has a party!

In the Netherlands, some people celebrate the sunshine and warmth with a fair, others weave in allegiance and give honour to the Queen by hosting ‘Oranje feest’  – an Orange party. Where we live in Wassenaar, the village was bo exception. A 4 day funfair was organised with all sorts of events.

We managed to catch the last day and it was so much fun!

The kids got to choose toys after taking shots with a football into a net. They didn’t have to do much but pay X euros to kick the ball into the net…and depending on how much you paid, you got to choose from a range of toys. No one loses, everyone goes home happy. How smart is that? 

The funfair organisers probably heard of my desire to storm New York and so they brought Central Park….literally to my doorstep. This was a nice but somewhat treacherous amusement maze with escalating steps and all sorts of rolling bits which could have resulted in a great deal of embarrasement if you consider falling ladies in skirts. Thankfully, nothing quite so dreadful occured and the day remained unmarred.

There were loads of ‘scary rides’….

…but I only went on a couple. With my young uns, racing about on the back of a minature automobile with my son yelling in excitement. Were it not for age, i would have yelled right along but, hmmm I restrained myself.

As is the custom at Summer fairs and other ‘national celebrations’ (think of Orange fever), there is no shortage of Olieballen and Poffertjes, Candy floss and the ever-present burger joint.

 Sometimes a girl can’teat withouth cream on her nose….

All these gifts…just waiting to be taken home

Some leave with balls….

And others with swords.

And still some with the knowledge that it will be another 3 months….before these tasty delights a[[ear again! Till then….