Scandinavian Festival

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Scandinavian Festival is an annual four-day celebration of Scandinavian heritage in Junction City, Oregon, United States. The small city of 4,500 people hosts more than 100,000 visitors each year.[1][2] Sunset Magazine rates it one of the best in the U.S. for its authentic emphasis.[3]

Since 1961, the city has attracted visitors nationally to the downtown area which is transformed into an old world town for the occasion. Each day of the festival highlights a particular Scandinavian country—Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway.[1]

Vikings march down the street, authentic northern European puppet shows are traditionally themed, colorful costumes are displayed in a fashion show, storytellers and actors highlight Hans Christian Andersen stories, folk dancers perform and instruct, choral and instrumental groups perform, unusual handcrafts such as Hardanger embroidery, bobbin lace, tatted lace, and Rosemaling are displayed and sold among paintings, needlework, and ceramics. There are also language classes and a 10 km run.

Traditional Scandinavian food includes vandbakkelser (chocolate dipped cream puffs), Æbleskiver (apple stuffed pancakes), meatballs, and meat pie.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Mike O'Brien (August 10, 2007). Scandinvasion: The Scandinavian Festival in Junction City, just up Highway 99, honors all four Scandinavian countries. Oregon Daily Emerald. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  2. ^ Karen McCowan (August 11, 2006). Going Scandinavian. The Register-Guard. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.
  3. ^ Alan A. Lew, Ph.D., AICP. Defining Place Authenticity: My Heritage Can Beat Up Your History 16. Retrieved on 2008-03-09.

[edit] External links