By Kate Bartlett
This Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19th marks the 23rd annual Scandinavian Folk Festival in Jamestown. This year it is held again at the Northwest Arena. This festival celebrates the region’s rich Nordic heritage with traditional crafts, authentic foods, live performances, and family-friendly tournaments. It features lively events including a midsummer pole procession, Kubb competitions, and traditional Swedish Fika.
This much anticipated event has been celebrating Scandinavian heritage since 2002 with traditional food, music, and customs. The festival typically attracts 1,500-1,800 people per year, with events on Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Visitors can immerse themselves in one of the largest concentrations of Swedish American heritage in the United States.
Scandinavian culture had a significant impact on shaping the Jamestown area. “Many people don’t realize the significance of this heritage to our area,” says Don Sandy event co-coordinator. “This festival is an opportunity to celebrate and pay homage to this culture. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Scandinavian culture and have everything here in one location.”
The festival offers incredible opportunities to sample a wide variety of authentic Nordic Cuisine including traditional eats like Swedish meatballs, Swedish waffles and pancakes, lingonberries, and “korvburgers.” Guests can participate in the Formal Fika (a traditional Swedish coffee break) served in fine china with baked goods. “Fika is more than just a coffee break,” explains Don. “It’s an opportunity for connection. It’s a time to pause and enjoy life and have conversation with a friend.” (See article, “Fika EXPERIENCE”, page 11.)
A major highlight of the festival is the watching, decorating and raising of the 20-foot Midsummer Pole followed by traditional ring dancing on Lafayette Street. “The tradition of the Midsummer Pole is the second most popular tradition in Sweden behind Christmas,” explains Don. “The festival provides the unique opportunity to participate in this beloved tradition.” People in traditional costumes march down the streets in honor of midsummer. The march ends at West 3rd and Lafayette with celebratory dances near the maypole.
Guests can also participate in fun competitions, including Nordic lawn games like Kubb, playing Scandinavian Bingo, or enter the cornhole competition for a chance to win cash prizes. “It’s a fun atmosphere,” explains Don. “The games provide entertainment with a Scandinavian flair.” Another fun competition this year is the contest for the best cardamom bread or roll, with cash prize, as well as a Nordic themed Jigsaw puzzle contest for the speed of putting together 350-piece puzzles.
Live entertainment will be provided continuously throughout the festival from over 80 performers for live music and folk dancing. This year, the festival is focusing on local groups and will feature performances by the Jamestown municipal band, Harmony Express chorus, Water Horse and friends, Svenska Spelman, Thule Swedish folk dance teams and Dem Bones trombone group and more. “Music and dance is such a major part of the Scandinavian culture,” explains Don. “It makes the culture come alive and creates a vibrant energy throughout the festival.”
The festival will also host renown speakers presenting various topics related to Scandinavian heritage and the Jamestown area, with new presentations every hour. “We’ll have a variety of topics. It’s great for anyone looking to learn.”
The Scandinavian Folk Festival is a great way to celebrate diversity and learn about cultures, for young and old. It’s an all-inclusive family friendly event recognizing cultural tradition. The festival will feature craft workshops, including traditional tabletop weaving, demonstrations of Nordic painting, chip carving, wood carving, huck weaving, spinning and more. Guests will have the opportunity to sign out and borrow a tabletop loom to continue to work on projects at home.
The Scandinavian Festival is an incredible opportunity to deepen appreciation and become fully immersed in the Swedish culture. “We strive to help preserve, build connections and expose our younger generations to the culture,” explains Don. “It’s incredibly meaningful to know our history and keep these traditions alive in the community.”
Admission is incredibly affordable, $5/person, free for ages 12 and under, making it a great opportunity for the whole family to experience Scandinavian Culture in the heart of Jamestown. Free street parking is available and discounted admission is offered with a non-perishable food donation ($3 with 2 food items). For more information, full schedule of events and to purchase tickets visit www.scandinavianjamestown.org or call 716-665-0883 or follow on Facebook for event updates.
FIKA EXPERIENCE
23rd Scandinavian Folk Festival
By Yvonne Roman
The 23rd Scandinavian Folk Festival returns this summer with an exciting program of activities for the entire family. For the past 23 years, the festival has been dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the rich culture and traditions of the Scandinavian countries with our community.
In addition to colorful folk dance performances, traditional music, authentic Scandinavian cuisine, and a wide variety of Nordic arts, crafts, and specialty products, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy an extensive educational and cultural program.
Throughout the festival, guests can attend lectures on a variety of topics of general interest, as well as demonstrations and workshops featuring traditional Scandinavian crafts that have been practiced for centuries. These include weaving on traditional looms, wood carving, chip carving, Norwegian decorative painting (Rosemaling), weaving, huck weaving, knitting, crocheting, spinning, and many other traditional arts and crafts.
This year, we are delighted to introduce a new cultural activity: FIKA EXPERIENCE.
The Swedish word Fika (pronounced fee-ka) refers to one of Sweden’s most cherished traditions. While it is often associated with enjoying a cup of coffee, Fika is much more than simply having coffee. It is a time to pause from the busyness of everyday life, slow down, and enjoy meaningful moments with family, friends, coworkers, or even someone you’ve just met.
A traditional Fika is usually accompanied by coffee, tea, and a selection of delicious sweet pastries or savory treats, all enjoyed in a warm, welcoming, and elegant atmosphere. More than a coffee break, Fika is a celebration of conversation, friendship, hospitality, and the importance of making time for one another.
We warmly invite you to join us at the 23rd Scandinavian Folk Festival and experience the true spirit of FIKA EXPERIENCE. Discover Scandinavian hospitality, savor authentic Nordic flavors, learn about centuries-old traditions, and enjoy a unique cultural experience that celebrates friendship, community, and the simple joy of slowing down and connecting with others.
FIKA EXPERIENCE is made possible through the generous support and donations of the following organizations and individuals: • The Sheldon Foundation • Arts Services Inc. • Wegmans • Stedman Coffee Roasters • Alfonso and Maria Diaz
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated team of volunteers, who are delighted to welcome and serve you throughout this special experience.
We look forward to welcoming you! The times for the FIKA EXPERIENCE are Saturday, July 18 from 10am-8pm and Sunday, July 19 from 10am-4pm at the Northwest Arena.
Ticket to the festival: $5• Ticket for the FIKA EXPERIENCE: $ 8