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Midsommar Viking Bonfire Fest

With the Sons of Norway - Dovre Lodge and the Pioneer Village Museum

Saturday, June 22, 5:00 - 8:00 PM

What is Midsummer?

Midsummer (Norwegian: midtsommer; Swedish: midsommar; Finnish: keskikesä) is a Northern Hemisphere tradition that spread through Northern Europe to the Americas. Though the origins of this celebration date to pre-Christian summer solstice festivals, it survived the Christianization of Europe in the form of the Feast of St. John the Baptist, established in the 4th Century CE to celebrate his birth. (This date was chosen to align with the established birthday of Jesus, December 25th; according to Biblical lore, John the Baptist was born six months before Jesus.) 

Scandinavian immigrants to our region brought Midsummer Eve celebrations with them. This is a celebration that has endured up to the present day, both in Scandinavia and in the Scandinavian diaspora worldwide, particularly the United States. 

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Midsummer Eve Bonfire, painting by Norwegian artist Nikolai Astrup (30 Aug 1880 - 21 Jan 1928)

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Join us to celebrate Midsommar with a viking theme this year! 
 

  • Nordic crafts: Woodcarving, Rosemaling, Iron Smithing, and Flower crowns

  • Lefse, krumkake, and vafler making

  • Ski Race, Frisbee Golf, Corn Hole games

  • Come dressed like a viking for our King & Queen and Little Vikings (10 and Under) Contests

  • Dance around the Maypole

  • Pioneer Grill open for Troll Brats and more

  • Scandinavian Bonfire at 7:00 PM

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