If you are at all remotely Scandinavian, you might like to attend the 49th annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival that takes place the third weekend in June every year in Astoria, Oregon.
This year’s festival will happen Friday, June 17, through Sunday, June 19, at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds, 92937 Walluski Loop, four miles southeast of Astoria on Highway 202.
Believe it or not, Scandinavians moved to the Astoria area by the thousands in the late 19th century continuing into the 20th century with 35% of the population identifying as Scandinavian in the 1910 census.
Building on their heritage, festival offers something for everyone including traditional food, fun, bonfire, music dancing and beer garden. Healthy bodied festival attendees can help with the Midsummer Pole, dance a polka or schottische, and try their hand at Kubb (a Scandinavian lawn game, no experience necessary).
The complete schedule and list of events and entertainers for the 2016 Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is available online at www.astoriascanfest.com.
