Woudstra Meat Market celebrated a century in Orange City on Saturday with smoked meats, a downtown gathering, and a fundraiser supporting the community’s volunteer firefighters.
The business marked its 100th anniversary alongside its annual smoke-off, bringing together participants and visitors for food samples, judging, and an evening community meal benefiting the Orange City Fire Department.
Orange City Chamber Director Mike Hofman said 17 smokers filled one downtown block. The day’s activities also included a farmers market, a touch-a-truck event, and large screens for watching football.
A Century of History, an Evolving Business
Woudstra traces its history to 1926. According to the business’s website, meat markets operated at the site even earlier, making the location part of Orange City’s commercial history beyond the Woudstra name.
Manager Martina Hoogland said the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognize the people who helped build that legacy.
“To just be a small part of that history. There’s been many who have come before us and hopefully a lot to come after,” Hoogland said during a live remote interview with Sioux County Radio.
The business continues to offer meats and Dutch specialties while expanding its services. Co-owner Kim Hoogland said additions have included a food truck, catering, and an event center, along with meal options at the downtown store.
Martina said the separate Highland Post processing facility also addressed a need the former processing space could not meet. It provided an opportunity for state-inspected processing and helped area farmers bring their own products to market.
For Kim, the experience has deepened her appreciation for Orange City.
“Our kids went to school here, but I never realized the uniqueness of our downtown and the support of the community here,” she said. “It’s one of the coolest downtowns that I think you’ll find.”
Anniversary Celebration Supports Fire Department
Giving back was part of Saturday’s celebration, with a $10 community meal featuring meats prepared during the smoke-off. Organizers also offered a raffle for a cooler with $300 worth of meat.
Orange City Fire Chief Dan Roghair said fundraisers help the department replace equipment and protective gear while preparing for future needs.
“It’s over ten thousand dollars to outfit a firefighter now per firefighter,” Roghair said. “And when you have twenty-five or thirty members, that gear, even like anything else, it just doesn’t last.”
Roghair said training and emergency responses both put wear on equipment, making replacement an ongoing expense. Fundraising helps the department maintain its equipment and consider new technology.
He also credited Woudstra’s longevity to the combination of its products, employees, and service, along with a community willing to support the business.
Saturday’s anniversary gathering brought those connections together, celebrating a century of business while supporting the firefighters serving Orange City today.
