Svenska Kulturföreningen Vancouver
Swedes celebrate midsummer on the weekend closest to Midsummer day June 24th.
In Vancouver we normally have our Midsummer Festival one week earlier.
And to decorate and raise the midsummer pole.
Friday at 6 pm, us volunteers, meet to prepare for the midsummer weekend.
We make the garlands and rings for the midsummer pole.
We decorate with flower and use birch branches as the base.
Opening ceremonies takes place around 11 followed by the decorating and raising of the midsummer pole.
There are lots activities, for both kids and adults, during the whole day.
The kids can make flower wreath's, dance around the midsummer pole, explore the troll forest, meet the Vikings in the Viking village, and much more.
One large audience tent with performers in the middle, offering audience participation dance and song.
The large stage is connected through its proximity and common cover.
The Festival Choir will delight the audience on Sunday
On Saturday the we have performances by artists like Charlotte Diamond and Abra Cadabra.
Around the long-house the participating nations, Denmark Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, and the 'Vikings' have their villages.
These Villages features displays of national heritage, craft and food sales and many kids activities.
The 'Viking' village features a large Viking-ship, authentic Viking settlements, games and crafts originating from those days
Win your partners weight in Beer!
In the olden days, in small town Finland, there was no social networking or internet dating – if a man wanted a woman from a neighbouring village he had to go and take her!
Food is served and Scandinavian musicians are entertaining while we enjoy open faced sandwiches, meatballs and other Nordic treats.