Vicki Hartlen DELHI NEWS-RECORD
Wednesday July 18, 2007

Belgian Days are almost here.
The Delhi Belgian Club welcomes the public to take part in celebrations July 20-21 that honour Belgium’s history and liberation from Nazi occupation in 1944.
“The bikes are coming back this year,” said Belgian Club president Marc Vanden Bussche, referring to the collaboration of the inaugural Le Tour de Norfolk that is joining the event this year.
The tour, organized by Uptown BIA Coordinator Yvette Mahieu, has already seen more than 200 registered to take part in one of four distance routes that will have cyclists meandering through all corners of the county.
“This is the perfect complement for Belgian Days,” said Vanden Bussche. “Cycling is a big part of Belgian life and a big part of the Delhi Belgian Hall’s history here in Delhi.”
In addition to the Saturday bicycle tour, the club has also organized meals and live entertainment.

“This isn’t just for Belgians,” said Vanden Bussche. “This weekend is for anyone who wants to take part.”
With a fish fry set for July 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. and entertainment provided by the Atkinson band inside and a DJ on the patio, Vanden Bussche said the celebration will “start with a bang.”
Saturday will follow up the opening nicely with Woodstock band, The Spoonfuls, playing on the patio as bicycle riders return from their routes to enjoy a Belgian hall lunch of breaded chicken, cabbage rolls, Belgian waffles and cold beverages.
Vanden Bussche said the hall plans to continue the celebrations with the Blue Waves playing Saturday night.
“We’re bringing in slightly different bands to appeal to different music tastes,” said Vanden Bussche.
Although last year’s Belgian Days were quieter than past years, Vanden Bussche said he hopes to “bring people home” to the hall this year.
“People all around are familiar with the Belgian Hall,” he said. “We just want to bring them back and remind them of what we’re all about: having a good time.”
With renovations on the front of the building continuing, Vanden Bussche said those who attend the Belgian Days will get to see the finished product.
“We want people to come out,” added Mahieu. “Even if they don’t join the tour and they just want to enjoy a good Belgian Hall meal, everyone is welcome.”