The Astoria Scandinavian Festival Association is looking forward to it's 41st Anniversary. This year's featured entertainment is Naustedalen Spelemannslag from Norway. They will be performing at various times during the weekend.
What: The Astoria Scandinavian Festival
Where: Clatsop County Fairgrounds, less than 5 minutes out of Astoria on Highway 202
When: June 20-22
Info: www.astoriascanfest.com
The festival opens Friday afternoon at 2 pm. Booths will be open for business. Salmon Dinner will be served by the Astoria Lions Club. The grand kick off of the Astoria Scandinavian Festival actually happens Friday evening with the selection and crowning of Miss Scandinavia 2007. The Festival court is made up of young women from the local area that have spent time learning about their own Scandinavian Heritage and customs and sharing it with local organizations. After the coronation please follow Miss Scandinavia and her court to the bon fire to burn hexes for good luck. Following the hex burning, it is time to dance the night away, and dancing here is for all skill levels (polka, waltz, hambo or schottische). No doubt the “Chicken dance” will call everybody to the dance floor to shake his or her tail feathers. For grownups that work up a thirst, the Wet Dog Café will be providing a beer garden (Friday night until midnight and Saturday 12pm-12am) with ice-cold beverages.
Saturday you can start the day with a The Midnight Sun Scandinavian Breakfast from the SCANDINAVIAN CAFÉ - reportedly a truly delicious authentic meal. If you are feeling full after this you can try THE TROLL RUN, a delightful stroll or run through the Olney Countryside. Follow the crowd downtown, weather permitting, where there will be an Optog (walking parade) through downtown Astoria. Return to the fairgrounds for the flag raising ceremony as well as the raising of the Midsummer Pole. Events and entertainment continue all day. Luncheon will be served by Vasa Lodge featuring Swedish Pea Soup. There is something for everyone - food, dancing, music, colorful folk-costumes and crafts will be found during this Midsummer celebration. Watch out for the Troll. He is reportedly a notorious kisser.
Don’t forget The Viking Feast. This scrumptious meal is very popular. Once again the talented folks of the Scandinavian Café are doing the cooking and dinner will be served. Saturday evening begins with the Honored Immigrant program followed by the Grand Concert featuring the Western Division of The American Union of Swedish Singers.
Sunday begins with the famous Rotary Pannukakku breakfast. There will be a nondenominational church service after breakfast. Entertainment, food, and fun continue throughout the day. At 4 pm, the winner of the grand prize, round trip tickets for 2 to Scandinavia, (and many other fabulous prizes) will be drawn at the closing ceremonies.
Astoria has historically been known for its Scandinavian Heritage. Many area residents are able to trace their own heritage back generations. Local Lodges include the Danish Society, Finnish Brotherhood, Ladies of Kaleva, Sons of Norway, Daughters of Norway, and Vasa Lodge. One does not need to be Scandinavian to get into the spirit of the 41st Annual Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival.
Admission is $6.00 for an adult 3-day souvenir button, $2.00 for children 6 – 12 and 5 & under is free. Parking is $2.00 per day or a $5.00 weekend pass. Contact will be available through the site or snail mail us at ASMFA PO Box 34, Astoria, Oregon 97103. The festival may also be contacted through the Astoria Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce.