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The 1858 Walloon Kermiss Festival in Rosiere
In 1853, homesick Belgians put down roots near Green Bay, buying land for just $1. 25 an acre.
They spoke Walloon, not French, and brought old ways to new soil. After two hard years of clearing trees, they missed home.
So in 1858, they held their first Kermiss harvest festival in Rosiere. Father Daems said Mass in their native tongue, then five musicians led folks to a makeshift hall…