Make merry at Midsommarfest

Skandia Folkdance Society presents its annual Skandia Midsommarfest at St. Edward State Park in Kenmore Sunday, June 29.

Skandia Midsommarfest has been a Northwest tradition since 1959 and is one of the largest Scandinavian Midsommar celebrations outside of Scandinavia. Skandia Midsommarfest celebrates the centuries-old Swedish tradition of honoring “Midsommar” (the summer solstice, the longest day of the year) by raising a 55-foot tall Måjstang (pole adorned with greenery), using only human power and crossed poles. The festival not only celebrates Nordic culture, but also encompasses the traditions of Baltic countries as well.

The Måjstang ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. with a parade of musicians and costumed dancers who carry in long garlands and rings of greenery to adorn the pole. Participants are invited to help with the pole raising; in the intervals between the sequential lifts and repositioning of the poles, costumed dancers perform to Scandinavian tunes.

After the pole is raised, attendees are invited to join in song and dance games around the pole, which concludes with the langdans (serpentine running dance) that starts around the pole and then wends its way out of the pole-raising area and into various other venues, including the main stage, where participatory dancing takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. A variety of bands play Scandinavian music at the main stage.

A special focus of Midsommarfest is the Hemslöjdsmarknad — an avenue of traditional crafts where crafts people demonstrate their skills and sell their wares. Traditional midsommar food and other Scandinavian delicacies will be offered. Visitors can make their own midsommarkrans, a traditional flower crown worn for the festival.

Be prepared for the weather and bring a blanket or lawn chair if you plan to spend the day at this outdoor festival in the park. St. Edward State Park is located at the north end of Lake Washington in Kenmore. The festival goes on, rain or shine.