Going orange to raise funds for the windmill

Dressed in traditional Dutch clothing, Petronella Simonis-Todd can be found at De Molen windmill in Foxton.

Foxton will go orange this Saturday with The Big Dutch Day Out cultural event.

The day is hosted by the Foxton Dutch Windmill trustees to raise funds for the windmill's restoration.

Planned as an event for the whole family, there are traditional Dutch games for children, the De Molen windmill - a traditional stone-ground flour mill - to explore, an opportunity to try some Dutch delicacies and buy Dutch groceries, or ride on the horse-drawn tram.

Put on your best orange outfit and you could be up for a best-dressed prize. Orange, the colour of the Dutch Royal Family from the House of Orange, is often worn by the Dutch especially at sporting events.

Weather permitting, local man Jim Harper will have his "sweet voice" an 1880 Dutch street organ to entertain.

The 52-key organ plays pipes and drums from pre-programmed books, just like an early computer.

It is one of the very few original Gasparini street organs still in existence.

The one thing that won't be working on the day is the flour mill, which has been out of order since storms earlier this year damaged the blades, exposing rotting timber.

Trustees are hoping funds raised will contribute towards the more than $50,000 needed to cover maintenance costs and get the windmill grinding flour once again.

¦The Big Dutch Day Out, next to De molen and the Dutch Oven, Main St, Foxton, Saturday April 29, 10am-2pm.