By Jessica Schultz
Come one and all to the Northwest Arena (located at 319 W. 3rd Street) in Jamestown, NY from 10-8pm on Saturday, July 16 or 10-4pm on Sunday, July 17 to celebrate our area’s Scandinavian Heritage at the Scandinavian Folk Festival. This event promises great family fun for all to enjoy. From music, to lectures, to vendors selling great crafts and treats to tasty ethic cuisine, there is something for everyone at the festival. (There will even be the traditional dancing around the midsummer pole on Saturday morning)
The Villager had a chance to speak with one of the event’s coordinators, Gwen Funcell about what visitors could expect at the event.
The Villager (V): Scandinavian Folk Festival; how was this event put together?
Gwen (G): “The festival started as a fundraiser for Lutheran Social Services in 2002. In 2004, it transitioned to a small committee of volunteers, headed by Don Sandy; and is now a program of the American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation. The staff of the Northwest Ice Arena, the City of Jamestown, and their Parks and Recreation Department have been very helpful as well.”
V: There will be Scandinavian music, can you tell us who is performing and when?
G: “We will have our local talent of Svenska Spelman and the Thule Swedish Folk Dance Team. Returning is the favorite, Smorgasbandet, with Jeanne Widman Andersen. They will be leading the midsummer procession on Saturday, along with the ring dances. New this year is another local talent, the Bonnie Loch Fiddlers. Also new is Alyssa Rodriguez, who has trained in Finland and Sweden on the nyckelharpa. Gary Kindberg will be also be singing old familiar Swedish-American songs. An entertainment program can be found at www.scandinavianjamestown.org.”
V: What type of tasty ethnic foods will be on sale?
G: “Three C’s catering will be providing all the Scandinavian favorites; from meatballs to rice pudding to cucumber salad; and pickled herring! And of course, there will be the famous korv burgers.”
V: There will be vendors at the event as well, could you tell us some of the things they will be selling?
G: “We have many vendors returning this year providing homemade goods and gifts: All Strings Considered, European Sheepskins, Scandinavian Unique Gifts; Whichcraft?, Finely Crafted by Cara, and Uniquely Swedish Gifts.”
V: Is there an admission fee? If yes, how much per person?
G: “There is an admission donation of $5 per person, with under 16 free. However, the Viking Ship will be parked on Lafayette Street for all to see, and everyone can join in the midsummer procession on Saturday morning.”
V: This is a family friendly event, what type of things are there for the younger members of the family?
G: “There will be some children activities, and all kids will enjoy seeing the Viking Ship and participating in the midsummer procession. There will also be the opportunity to try curling and riding the ice bumper cars, for an additional $2 per person. Ice skates are not required.”
V: Anything else to add?
G: “Folks will be able to board the Viking Ship and learn more about it from the crew. The Viking Ship will sail on Friday from McCrea Point to Lakewood, NY. We look forward to everyone coming out and not just learning a bit about the Scandinavian Culture but having an amazing time as well.”
Thank you, Gwen, for taking the time to speak with us and for sharing all this great info on the festival. A large thank you to event creator Don Sandy and the Northwest Arena for hosting a great family friendly event for our community members to enjoy.