Midsommardagen

Midsommardagen

Come join us for a day of celebration at Gammelgården Museum of Scandia! Our annual Midsommardagen event is back, filled with traditional Swedish music, dancing around the maypole, delicious food, and fun activities for the whole family. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Sweden right here in the heart of Scandia. Don't miss out on this festive event that brings the community together to honor the arrival of summer. See you there!

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DETAILS

This Swedish festival is perhaps the most popular one of the year. Join us at Gammelgården Museum for this outdoor festival celebrating the beauty of the Summer Day. Dating back to ancient times, Midsommardagen marks the longest day of the year and welcomes back warm weather.

In the morning, spend time doing hands-on crafts related to Midsommar, making masks with In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, and making paper flowers with COMPAS Teaching Artist Anne Faulel Reid.

In the afternoon, enjoy traditional Swedish music, group folk dancing, and, in the center of it all, the Majstång/Midsommarstång (May/Midsummer Pole), freshly decorated with spring greenery.

Throughout the day, there will be an artists/crafters/vendors fair, demonstrations by artists, tours of the historic buildings, historic exhibits, contemporary and historical art to view, and food to enjoy (Swedish meatballs, ice cream, and cold beverages will be available for sale)!

Bring your picnic lunch and blanket to enjoy on the museum grounds. Note that alcohol is not allowed on museum property.

Schedule of Events:

Historic Buildings Open to the Public: 10:00-1:00 and 3:00-4:00

Arts and Craft Fair: 10:00-4:00

Demonstrations by Artists: 10:00-4:00

Butik (Gammelgården’s Gift Shop) Open: 10:00-4:00

Hands-on Activities for People of All Ages: 10:00-12:00
– Make Fresh-Flower Head Wreaths
– Make Colorful Paper Flowers
– Make a Summer-Theme Mask with Artists from In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre
– Help Decorate the Majstång/Midsommarstång
– Make a Mini-Majstång/Midsommarstång
– Swedish Coloring Sheets
– Summer Scavenger Hunt
– Try on a Variety of Masks from In the Heart of the Beat Puppet and Mask Theater

Watch and Take Pictures with Large Puppets from In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre: 10:00-12:00

Music by the Scandia Community Band: 12:15-1:00

Raising of the Majstång/Midsommarstång, May/Midsummer Pole: 1:00

– Folk Music by the ASI Cloudberries (Women’s Chorus Based out of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota)

– Folk Dancing by the Vasa Junior Folk Dancers (Children Ages 3-18 Years Old who Preserve Swedish Dance, Traditions, and Heritage; and Share Swedish Culture with the Community)

Also check out other Arts events in Scandia, Theatre events in Scandia, Festivals in Scandia.