By Kate Bartlett
July 20-21st marks the 21th annual Scandinavian Folk Festival in Jamestown at the Northwest Arena. 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-7pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.
The festival started in 2002 in efforts to bring people together in celebration of the Scandinavian Swedish heritage in Jamestown. “Many people don’t realize the significance of this heritage to our area,” says Don Sandy event co-coordinator. “Between the 1860s-1920s, 25% of Swedish people fled their country, with Jamestown being the 3rd most significant settlement in this country, only behind Chicago and Minneapolis. In 1920, 80% of businesses in Jamestown were owned or managed by Swedish people. This culture had a significant impact on shaping our area, and we invite everyone to come learn about these roots.”
The midsummer procession is perhaps the most anticipated and unique event of the weekend. On Saturday at 10am, guests are invited to help decorate the traditional 21-foot-long midsummer pole, with the procession taking place directly following. People in traditional costume will march down the streets in honor of midsummer. The march ends at West 3rd and Lafayette with celebratory dances near the maypole. The event is free and open to the public, with dancing tutorials to encourage public participation. “Midsummer is historically a huge holiday in the Scandinavian culture, and we’re proud to carry on the tradition here at our festival.”
Festival highlights include live music, vendors, Scandinavian food including Swedish meatballs, rotmos, pickled herring, Korv, lingonberry drink and Kaffe stuga, also known as the coffee house. Of course, Norm’s world famous korv burgers will also be served. Carlsberg beer and lingonberry drink are also available.
The festival will feature a variety of bands including live performances from, SmörgåsBandet, local Swedish Band Svenska Spelmän, Vasa Voices from Cleveland, and Dem Bones trombone players. SmörgåsBandet is described as a Smörgåsbord of music, with deep Scandinavian roots playing a variety of music including folk music, gammaldans, pop, evergreens, country and rock ‘n roll. With over 20 years’ experience as a band together, they love to interact with the audience, and encourage the crowd to sing and dance along at their multiple performances both Saturday and Sunday.
The acclaimed Thule Lodge Adult and Children’s Folk Dance Teams will perform at noon and 1:30pm on Saturday (children and adult) and at 1PM on Sunday (just adult). These local dance teams have been a part of the community for generations, performing to the music of Svenska Spelmän with the mission to preserve Scandinavian culture.
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 family activity center will feature t-shirt making, where guests can stamp their own t-shirt with a Swedish symbol, as well as Swedish doll-making. “These activities are focused on children, but really are great for all ages. It’s pertinent to teach not only the younger generations, but everyone about Swedish craft in order to understand the heritage, and carry it on into the future,” says Don. The festival will also feature demonstrations of chip carving, weaving, knitting and more.
The festival will host renown speakers presenting on various topics related to Scandinavian heritage and the Jamestown area. “This is such a great opportunity to learn about the culture and it’s significance here in our area,” says Don. Learn about the Swedish Colony in Delaware, the local Fenton Guard, genealogy research, or stories of Swedes settling in the area.
This year, the festival will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of ABBA with world renowned tribute band ABBAMANIA from Toronto, performing Saturday at 8PM (tickets required, $25). ABBA is arguably one of the most celebrated bands of Swedish heritage, with their album being the biggest exported album from Sweden in the 1970’s. Dubbed as the world’s finest ABBA tribute band, this band played for the Toronto Mamma Mia productions and has been called the most accurate recreation of the ABBA show in existence. “We’re proud and honored to host ABBAMANIA at the festival,” says Don. “This is the biggest production we’ve ever brought into the festival and we’re looking forward to a great show.”
The festival attracts people from all over the country, with over 1,800 in attendance last year. “People from 28 states were represented at the festival in 2023, as well as Canada and Sweden. We’re expecting about 2,000 this year,” says Don. “People come to the festival for a variety of reasons. Over the years people have come to learn more about the heritage, to celebrate, and learn about the past.”
Don’s favorite thing about the festival is the fellowship of people gathering in celebration and enjoying the Scandinavian heritage. “The energy is unique and festive. Everyone is here to have a good time and celebrate while paying respect to this culture.”
Tickets are only $8 each day with free admission for children 12 and under. ABBAMANIA tickets are $25 or $30/35 as a festival bundle. Free street parking is available. For more information, full schedule of events and to purchase tickets visit www.scandinavianjamestown.org/and follow on Facebook for event updates.