Americana Cookout Fundraiser

Americana Cookout Fundraiser
Celebrating 50 Years of the Dekker Huis Museum & America's 250th Anniversary

Saturday, October 10 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the New Groningen Schoolhouse

Step back in time and celebrate two remarkable milestones at the Zeeland Historical Society's Americana Cookout Fundraiser! Join us for an evening of delicious food, family-friendly activities, and community as we commemorate the museum's 50th anniversary while honoring America's 250th anniversary.

Held at the historic New Groningen Schoolhouse, this special event blends the spirit of 1776 and the rich history of our own community. Enjoy a classic American cookout, explore a special Bicentennial mini-exhibit, participate in our costume contest, and browse unique raffle prizes. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite 1776 Colonial or 1976 Bicentennial attire for our costume contests, with prizes awarded for adult, children, and group categories. 

Every ticket purchased helps support the Zeeland Historical Society's mission to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories that have shaped our community. Your participation directly funds educational programs, exhibits, collections care, and opportunities to connect future generations with Zeeland's history.

Bring your family, gather your friends, and join us for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, history, and celebration as we honor the past while investing in the future of our museum.

Americana Costume Contest

Celebrate America 250 by participating in our Americana Costume Contest! Guests are invited to come dressed in their favorite Americana-inspired attire for a chance to win a prize.

Whether you're inspired by colonial America, the bicentennial era, classic Americana fashion, historic figures, or love dressing up, we encourage participants to have fun and get into the spirit of the event.

Contestants may enter one of the following categories:

• Best Adult Costume
• Best Youth Costume (ages 17 and under)
• Best Group Costume

Costume Guidelines

Costumes should reflect the theme of Americana, which may include:

• Colonial or Revolutionary War-era attire
• Historic American figures (cannot be living)
• Pioneer, frontier, or homestead clothing
• Vintage Americana (1920s–1970s)
• Patriotic red, white, and blue ensembles

Contest Rules

1. Participation is free for event attendees.
2. Costumes must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.
3. No weapons, prop weapons, or items that may pose a safety risk.
4. Participants must be present during judging and prize announcements.
5. Contestants may enter only one category (Adult, Youth, or Group).
6. Zeeland Historical Society staff and judges reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not meet contest guidelines.
7. If you are 17 and under, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the event.

Judging & Awards

• Judging will take place during the event, with winners announced before the conclusion of the evening.
• One winner will be selected in each category: Adult, Youth, and Group.
• Judging Criteria:
  • Costumes will be evaluated on:
    • Creativity and originality
    • Connection to the Americana theme
    • Effort and attention to detail

Costume Contest Sign-Up

• Sign-up is on the day of the event at the check-in table. Contestants must provide their name or group name and be present for judging.
• For judging, contestants will line up and parade down the schoolhouse ramp so the judges can see each costume.