Midsommardagen

This lovely Swedish festival is perhaps the most popular one of the year! Join us at Gammelgården Museum of Scandia for this outdoor festival celebrating the beauty of Summer Day. Dating back to ancient times, Midsommardagen marks the longest day of the year and welcomes back warm weather.
Traditional Swedish music, group folk dancing, hands-on activities, arts and craft fair, demonstrations by artists, and, in the center of it all, the Majstång/Midsommarstång (May/Midsummer Pole), freshly decorated with spring greenery.

Bring your picnic lunch and blanket to enjoy on the museum grounds. Note: no alcohol is allowed on the museum property.

Swedish meatballs, ice cream, and cold beverages will be available for sale.

Schedule of Events (Note: The schedule is from 2023. It will be updated by Spring 2024.):

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

Hands-on Activities for People of All Ages: 10:30-12:30
– Make Fresh-Flower Head Wreaths
– Help Decorate the Majstång/Midsommarstång
– Make a Mini-Majstång/Midsommarstång
– Frog Headbands
– Swedish Coloring Sheets
– Summer Scavenger Hunt

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

Raising of Majstång/Midsommarstång, May/Midsummer Pole: 1:00
– Invocation by Pastor Seth Perry of Elim Lutheran Church
– 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)