Skandia Midsommarfest

CELEBRATING MIDSOMMARFEST
IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

SKANDIA FOLKDANCE SOCIETY
PRESENTS
MIDSOMMARFEST 2010

SUNDAY, JUNE 27th
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
St. Edward State Park
Kenmore, Washington

WA parks

Girls Midsommarfest, as presented by Skandia Folkdance Society, is a traditional Swedish celebration of the summer solstice, recreated in as authentic a manner as possible, complete with the 2:30 p.m. raising of a garlanded Midsommar pole, a serpentine dance around the pole, and hundreds of costumed musicians and dancers - traditions practiced in Sweden for centuries. Over the years since the 1959 inception of Skandia Midsommarfest, the festival has expand to include contributions f pole raising rom all the Nordic and Baltic countries so that the rich cultural diversity of all those lands can be experienced by Skandia Midsommarfest attendees.

Midsommarfest showcases a wealth of wonderful music and dancing by the Northwest's premier Nordic folk musicians and dancers (and this area boasts some of the best in the Western Hemisphere).

Allspel time is 3:20 pm, immediately following the ceremonies at the music group pole.

A special focus of Midsommarfest is the Hemslöjdsmarknad - an avenue of traditional crafts where carefully selected crafts people demonstrate their skills and sell their wares. Traditional midsommar food and other Scandinavian delicacies will be offered. And a flower crown -- the classic midsommarkrans -- ready to decorate to your own taste, will add the finishing touch to your midsommar celebration.

Midsommarfest activities, including music, dancing, food and crafts, all horn player begin a 11:00 a.m. The grand parade and raising of the majstång (garlanded midsommar pole) are at 2:30 p.m. Spectators are invited to help hoist the 45-foot pole with their muscles or cheers, and then to join in the rousing långdans (serpentine running dance) around the pole, longdans accompanied by the stirring music of massed musicians. Participation dancing follows on the main stage while entertainment, food, crafts activities and good times continue throughout the park grounds.