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Välkommen till the 56th Annual Stromsburg Swedish Midsommar
Festival June 20, 21, & 22, 2008
It was begun in Stromsburg in 1953. On the third weekend in June of each year everyone in Stromsburg becomes Swedish at heart. Their name may not be Johnson or Anderson or Carlson but they’re talking Ostkaka, Swedish meatballs, potato bologna, and rye bread. Citizens don their Swedish garb to welcome the thousands of visitors that come to our little town to experience true Swedish food and celebration. The Swedish Midsommar
Festival acknowledges Stromsburg as the “Swede Capital of
Nebraska.” It follows the tradition of the Midsummer’s Eve
Celebration that the Country of Sweden holds each year, when the
people celebrate the return of summer to Sweden by commemorating
the
summer solstice, the longest day of the year. They stay up most
of
the night and dance around gaily decorated maypoles. The
holiday,
which dates back 200 years in Swedish history, is described as a
combination of the American Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.
We do not stay up most of the night in Stromsburg, but you
will
find a gaily decorated maypole with Swedish costumed children
dancing around it.
There is plenty of authentic home-cooked Swedish food to
satisfy
your ethnic hunger. Grandma unlocks the door of her “Kitchen” on
Friday to begin the weekend’s festivities and there are many
other
midsummer activities.
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| Food
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"Grandma's
Kitchen" is located on the south side of the City
Square in
the Viking Center. Sponsored by local women and men, it features
a
variety of Swedish dishes. It is open Friday from 5 to 10 p.m.
and
Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Visitors dine in
air-conditioned
comfort.
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On Friday evening an outdoor chicken and pork chop barbecue is held on the northeast side of the Square. This very popular event is always well attended. Chicken halves and pork chops are grilled to perfection over an open fire pit. Just watching the men of the community turn the racks is a sight to see and the aroma is awesome! |
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Swedish pancakes are served for breakfast on Saturday morning at the local restaurants and the Methodist Church.  To experience the true feeling of dining in Sweden, you must attend the annual Smörgåsbord. The High School gymnasium is transformed into a delightful Swedish atmosphere where long tables are set up to hold the vast array of delicacies. Swedish dressed men and women will show you to your seat and guide you to the self-served smörgåsbord. There are cold fish dishes, including anchovies, herring, salmon, and sardines. Next will be a large assortment of salads followed by the hot dishes of ham, meatballs, potato bologna, baked salmon, baked beans, scalloped corn and scalloped potatoes. Don’t forget the breads -- homemade rye bread and wheat rolls. Add to this various kinds of cheeses, including Bond-Ost, a true cheese lover’s delight! Desserts include fresh fruit, fruit salad, pastry, and that marvelous Swedish pudding Ostkaka.
There are also food booths and bake sales by local organizations in the City Square, the Viking Center, and the Senior Center.
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| Honored Swedes and Royalty announced on Friday night |
On Friday evening the naming of the Honorary Swede occurs. This award is for a Stromsburg native who has moved away from the locality and has kept high regard for his/her heritage. The Honorary Swede for 2007 was Sandra Myrberg of Lincoln, Nebraska. Click here to see a list of the previous Festival Honorary Swedes.
The main event of the
evening is the crowning of the King and Queen of the Festival.
This
prestigious honor is for individuals who have performed
outstanding
service to the community. The 2007 King and Queen were
Timm Waller and
Sharon Noyd. The
attendants were Click here to see a list of the previous Festival Kings and Queens. |
Free Entertainment
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On the outdoor stage in the City Square Park, Friday and Saturday nights.
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Plenty of seating is provided.
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Local and regional talent is featured.
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Young people keep the traditional Swedish dances alive, including the Maypole dance.
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Parade
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Grand Parade - Saturday evening, 6 p.m. Entry form
| Carnival
Friday and Saturday Located around the City Square Park Children’s activities
Edgerton Explorit Center, |
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Midsommar Market, arts-crafts-farmers market, in the City Square Park. (Entry Form)
Other activities
Earl
"Helge" Byleen Road Race
Horseshoe Pitching
Softball Tournament
3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Concerts in the Square
Street Dance and more.
Swedish Midsommar Festival Schedule
(This file requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download a free copy at: Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
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Swedish Midsommar Festival Committee with generous support from alumni and area businesses. Please Support Our Sponsors!
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For More Information Call: |
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