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Midsommarfest Dear Readers, This is the last Guru column for Midsommarfest 2008. Hope you've enjoyed getting your questions answered here. And, now the Guru has a question for you. Sometime soon after Midsommarfest 2008, please find a few minutes to write to the Guru and share your thoughts about what you liked and/or didn't like about this year's festival. Email guru@skandia-folkdance.org or snail mail at PO Box 17123, Seattle, WA 98127-0823. Glad Midsommar to All!
__________________________ Dear Midsommar Guru, You've probably been asked this a zillion times already; but why is Midsommarfeston June 29 this year, instead of June 22, which would be much closer to the actual summer solstice? Did it have something to do with availability of the Park? I was just curious, as it's not the first time Midsommarfest has been held a bit later than the weekend closest to the summer solstice. Thanks in advance, —Curious Dear Curious, Perhaps others have wondered, but none have asked the Guru before. It's a worthy question since Skandia's goal is to present a traditional Swedish Midsommar celebration. However, this is not the only Midsommar event in the Northwest. There are many other events and it can be challenging to not have them all happening at the same time—especially for vendors and for some dancers and musicians who try to take part in more than one. Some time back, a decision was made to hold Skandia's event on the last Sunday in June. Depending on the calendar, that may mean it is closer or further from the actual date. In 2007, the last Sunday was June 24th, so Skandia's was closer to the actual day and Astoria's was the week before. __________________________ Hey Guru, I still haven't signed up to volunteer because I'm not sure about my work schedule. Can I just show up on Saturday if it turns out that I'm available? —Tentative Volunteer Dear Tentative, By all means, please show up if you can. Kathi Ploeger will be able to direct you to where you can be most helpful. __________________________ Hi Guru, I just finished browsing your site for questions and answers on Midsommer and wondered if the Nordic Harpers in the area are on your mailing list. I do not know them personally but have enjoyed their CDs. They have Web sites at www.bethkolle.com (Beth Kollé) and www.harpcrossing.com (Harper Tashe). If they are not already coming, it might be nice to invite them. I believe Beth Kollé and friends are just back from a harper's tour of Norway. —Harp Lover Dear Harp Lover, Having heard the Nordic Harpers, it's easy to appreciate your suggestion for inviting them. Unfortunately, by the time the Guru received your email, the deadline for performer scheduling had passed. So, the Guru has already spoken with the performance coordinators to get them on the invitation list for 2009. __________________________ Hey Guru, What's the word on the Saturday evening dance for volunteers this year? —Planning Ahead Dear Planning Ahead, It turns out the dance will be on the stage at Saint Edward State Park. Dancing is from 7:30 to 9:30. As part of your planning, you may want to bring mosquito repellant because those hungry critters seem to think we hang around the park at dusk just for their enjoyment. __________________________ Dear Glad Midsommar Guru, Last year I seem to recall a shortage of food later in the day. Will there be more food this year or should we plan to bring our own picnic basket? —Healthy Appetite Dear Healthy Appetite, The food vendors are well aware of their experience last year and planning ahead. Also, there will be more Nordic treats available with added booths provided by the Northwest Danish Foundation, Finlandia Foundation and Daughters of Norway. __________________________ Dear Guru, With this being Skandia's 50th Midsommarfest, I'm guessing there will be a lot more folks attending. I'm concerned about whether or not there'll be enough room for everyone to park. —Parking Worrier Dear Parking Worrier, Glad you brought this up!! Parking will be on the grass again this year in the area nearest to the festival. We expect that overflow parking will also be possible on the ball field area. The regular parking lots are reserved for other park users not attending the festival. It's important to note that once the parking areas are full, the park staff will stop allowing anymore cars into the park. That said, please carpool if possible and encourage others to do the same. The more folks who carpool, the more folks who can enjoy Skandia's Midsommarfest this year! __________________________ Dear Glad Midsommar Guru, Since this is such a special event, what extra effort is being made to contact people who attended Midsommarfest in the past? —Wondering Dear Wondering, For starters, all the performing groups have been encouraged to find a way to bring back former members for this special event. Also, this copy of the newsletter is going to folks whose membership lapsed within the past five years. And, most important, the committee is asking those who know people who may not be on the mailing list to please extend an invitation for them to join the fun. Wearing their costumes means they get to be near the front of the parade, too! __________________________ Dear Readers, Since this issue is be going to members who haven't been on the mailing list for awhile, here are a few questions from 2007 that may be of interest along with some updated answers.
Hey Guru, I'm planning to wear my costume to perform and keep it on most of the day—especially for the costume presentation. I also plan to stay and help with clean up afterwards. If there's no hospitality tent, where can I change clothes? —Hates to Change in the Car Dear Hates to Change in the Car, You aren't the only one concerned about this. Like 2007, there will be a couple of family-sized tents for changing clothes. However, please take things back to your car for safe storage rather than leaving anything in the tent. Thanks so much for planning to help with clean up! __________________________ Dear Guru, I'm remembering the heat of 2006 and the rain at the end of the day last year. Will we have the opportunity to check instruments again like we did in 2007? —Concerned Musician Dear Concerned Musician, Thanks for asking! Yes, the plan is to continue to provide instrument storage in a covered controlled space near the stage with a check-in system for security. __________________________ Dear Glad Midsommar Guru, I've been collecting Midsommarfest buttons for several years now. Since I understand there are only a 1,000 buttons available this year, how can I make sure I get one in advance? —Button Collector Dear Button Collector, Buttons are available at every Skandia event for a minimum $2 contribution—although most folks are contributing $5 or more. These buttons play an important part in both publicity and fundraising--with free admission, we have to raise about $10,000 to cover expenses. Several people have buttons available—Karlyn Tomta, Roberta Morrow, Linda Lacy, Paul Everitt and Elaine Everitt. If you don't anticipate getting to an event or seeing one of the button sellers, please email the guru@skandia-folkdance.org to make arrangements to get yours. You can also call Elaine Everitt at 206-915-9606. __________________________
Dear Glad Midsommar Guru, I understand the theme for this year's Midsommarfest is "generations." What kind of "generations" does this apply to? Dancers? Performers? People who were members in the early years of Skandia's Midsommarfest? —Seeking Clarity Dear Seeking, The answer is (e) All of the above. The committee hopes to tie in "generations" in various ways. For example, performance groups have been asked to think of ways to incorporate "generations" into their performances—in whatever way they interpret "generations," which might include familial relationships, longtime members, dances performed over the years, and so forth. If you know someone who attended in the early years, please make sure they know we'd love to see them join the festivities this year. The committee is still brainstorming ideas for the program and any advance information you can provide about who is planning to attend will be most helpful. Write to the guru@skandia-folkdance.org or call Elaine Everitt at (206) 915-9606. __________________________ Dear Readers, Surprisingly, the Guru received only one new question this month. However, that may be due to some email not getting through. If you've written to the Guru and not seen your question answered, please try again by emailing guru@skandia-folkdance.org. Now, a follow-up to last month's question from Creaky Knees who asked about extra seating. Good news! The Midsommarfest Committee decided to add providing chairs to the budget so there will be more seating around the grounds—in the Music Corner, the food booth area, and in front of the stage. Adding to the budget also means increasing the amount of money to be raised by around $350. For those looking forward to the extra seating, any amount you can contribute to help fund this increase will be most appreciated. Donations may be sent to Skandia Folkdance Society, PO Box 17123, Seattle, Washington 98127-0823. Skandia is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit for tax purposes. __________________________
Hey Guru, There are lots of great musicians in the Northwest that perform Scandinavian music and I know that at least some of them have CDs available. Since this year is special, might there be a place for festival goers to buy those CDs—and for musicians to make them available to the general public? —Music Fan Dear Music Fan, You're in luck this year! Birgit and Phil Ages with Folk Voice Band are going to reserve a booth for musicians. Hopefully, the musicians whose CDs you want will participate with them. And, if you're a musician who wants to participate with them, contact Birgit by email at folkvoice@folkvoiceband.com or call her at (206) 947-8393. __________________________
Dear Guru, We have not been able to attend Midsommar the last two years, but hope to be there this summer, if the circumstances are right. Will there be more seating facilities than in years past? Benches, chairs, whatever, not just for watching the dance performances, but also close to food booths. The are some people who can no longer sit on the grass (and especially try to get up afterwards!) but love to come and watch the dancing, eat Swedish food, buy cool stuff, and listen to the energizing music! We may plan to bring down a van load of excited people if we can tell them that they don't have to be on their feet the whole time nor be carried out on a stretcher. —Creaky-Knees Dear Creaky-Knees, Wish I had a better answer for you. Right now, we're looking into other options that don't create too much extra work for busy volunteers or significant expense—since the whole event is funded by contributions. Ideally, we will find someone (another organization maybe) who would be willing to provide or fund extra seating. That said, perhaps other readers seeing your question will decide to bring extra seating they might have at home or someone might be able to email the guru@skandia-folkdance.org with other suggestions. Thanks for asking! More about this in the newsletter as we know more. __________________________
Dear Glad Midsommar Guru, When I suggested to a friend in another Nordic organization that their group might want to have a booth at Midsommarfest this year, she seemed surprised that Skandia would want other groups to participate. Was I off track in making this suggestion? It seems to me that participation by groups from all the all Nordic countries would help with making this year special—the more the merrier! —Checking In Dear Checking In, By all means, please encourage other Nordic organizations to join the fun! It would be great to have a booth for each of the Nordic countries with information about how they celebrate Midsommar—since raising the majstċng follows the Swedish tradition. With admission being free, it's a great place for the general public to learn more about Scandinavian culture—in addition to the wonderful exhibits and work done by the Nordic Heritage Museum year around. It's also a great place for festival goers to learn more about all the different Scandinavian organizations in the area. For groups who are simply providing information at their booth, the cost is free. All we ask is that they sign up with our vendor coordinator, Brian Nelson, by May 1st. More vendor information is available on Skandia's Web site at www.skandia-folkdance.org/Midsommarfest/08VndInv.pdf or email Brian at vendor@skandia-folkdance.org. __________________________ Hey Guru! Last year, I thought we really needed button sellers out in the crowd rather than asking people to go to the Skandia booth to get their buttons. I'm willing to do it for a while as long as I don't have to commit too much time. Is that going to happen differently this year? If so, who do I talk to? —Potential Button Seller Dear Potential Button Seller, It's great to hear from you! Yes, plans are to handle that differently this year and the committee is trying to figure out the best way to do it. Please send email to volunteer@skandia-folkdance.org or contact Elaine Everitt at (206) 915-9606 to let us know of your willingness to help. Do include how much time you would consider workable and your contact information so someone can get back in touch with you. __________________________ Dear Guru, Someone asked me about becoming a vendor at Midsommarfest and I didn't know what to tell her. What's the process and who should I have her contact? —Vendor Informant Dear Informant, All the information about becoming a vendor (including the application) is on Skandia's Web site this year. Please encourage any vendors with Scandinavian–themed products or information to check out the Web site: www.skandia-folkdance.org/Midsommarfest/08VndInv.pdf or email vendors@skandia-folkdance.org for more information. The deadline for vendor applications is 1 May, although getting an application in sooner is definitely better. By the way, booths are free for nonprofit organizations who just want to share information (not sell anything) with festival goers—a great publicity opportunity for Nordic organizations looking for new members. __________________________ Hi Midsommar Guru, I think you may have answered this before, but I can't remember the response. I'd be willing to sign up to volunteer if I knew what my options were. Is there someplace I can find out what needs to be done? —Volunteer-in-waiting Dear Volunteer-in-waiting, Thanks for asking! Your question helps boost the energy of the volunteer coordinator to get these listed on the Midsommarfest Web site. Even with that extra energy, it probably won't happen until sometime in March. In the meantime, please email volunteer@skandia-folkdance.org with your contact information, the best time to call you back, and the kinds of things you would be willing to consider. If you don't have email, call Elaine Everitt at (206) 915-9606. __________________________ Dear Glad Midsommar Guru, I really missed having the second stage last year. It was great having two dance performances to choose from, plus the opportunity for more lessons. Any chance we can have two stages again this year? After all, it is our 50th Midsommarfest! —Stage Enthusiast Dear Stage Enthusiast, Having two stages definitely provided more dance and performance options. However, the second stage was eliminated last year to save significant volunteer labor and logistics coordination work. Savings came from the stage itself (e.g., hauling stage materials to and from the park, Saturday construction, Sunday deconstruction and storage), as well as indirectly by reducing the work involved coordinating performers, canopies, seating, and the sound system. In fact, Skandia no longer has the small stage because the Skandia Board disposed of it to reduce storage requirements in 2007. The only way we could have a second stage this year is if (and it's a big if), we had the funding to provide for someone else to come in and construct/deconstruct a stage plus funding for the extra sound system and extra volunteers to put up the 3 large canopies that surrounded the second stage (one for musicians and two for festival-goers to stay out of the sun/rain). If you're willing to take the lead on obtaining funding and volunteers to put up a second stage, please contact Elaine Everitt at (206) 915-9606 immediately. __________________________ Hey Guru, I've got some pictures from Midsommarfests of days gone by. Since this is Skandia's 50th, are there any plans to put up some kind of photo display? What should I do with my pictures? —MSF Shutterbug Dear Shutterbug, Thanks for asking! One of the ideas the Midsommarfest committee is considering is how to best display photo memories
of Midsommarfest history. The outcome of this discussion will depend on finding someone who is willing to take the lead, additional volunteer support, as well as having pictures available. For starters, please send
a note about the pictures you have to volunteer@skandia-folkdance.org or call Elaine Everitt at (206) 915-9606. __________________________ Dear Guru, You've referred to the Midsommarfest Committee making decisions about what happens. I haven't volunteered to be on the Committee because I don't have time to go to meetings every month. However, I care about what happens and I've got ideas that I think should be considered. What do you suggest? —Time-challenged supporter Dear Supporter, Knowing that you care enough to ask the question means a lot! The Midsommarfest Committee is made up of volunteers able to take on lead roles and participate in meetings. Sometimes, it can be discouraging when only a small number are able to attend. It provides an incredible energy boost to members of the committee when folks like yourself express interest, offer ideas, volunteer to handle important tasks, and/or make contributions to help keep festival admission free. Please know that you would be most welcome to attend and participate in a planning meeting without taking on a lead role. And, you wouldn't be expected to commit to "joining" the committee and attending every month. If attending even one meeting isn't possible, please send your ideas to Elaine Everitt at midsommarfest05@earthlink.net or call her at (206) 915-9606. Do you have a question for the Guru? Send it to guru@skandia-folkdance.org by February 8, and watch for a response in the next newsletter. __________________________
Dear Midsommarfest Guru, I really enjoy doing those silly songs and games around the pole. Every year, I wish I had learned the words. Where can I find them? —Likes to Play Dear Likes to Play, Thanks for asking! And, thanks to Kathi Ploeger, you can start learning them now. Words for the two songs we always sing are on the Skandia website with references to MIDI files on the Web. See www.skandia-folkdance.org/Midsommarfest/Ringlekar_Tunes/ringlekar_tunes.html. __________________________ Dear Glad Midsommar Guru, I haven't heard anything about the Saturday evening dance for awhile. Is it happening? Where? —Loves to Dance Dear Loves to Dance, Yes, there will be a dance on Saturday evening, and it will be on the stage at the park from 7:30 to 9:30. Be sure to bring your own water and any snacks you might want. It would also be wise to bring insect repellant (the mosquitoes are known to have voracious appetites as the sun goes down) and a flashlight. At the end of the dance, everyone will be expected to leave the park promptly. __________________________
Got a question for the Guru? Send it to guru@skandia-folkdance.org and watch for a response in the next newsletter/web page update. —Elaine Everitt The Glad Midsommar Guru |
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