July 19, 20, 21, 2019

Jamestown Community College, Jamestown, NY

Each person attending the Festival will be given a wristband. Those without wristbands will be returned to the main gate for readmission.

• Friday
• $8
• All Day
• July 19th

• Saturday
• $10
• All Day
• July 20th

• Sunday
• $5
• All Day
• July 21st

• Weekend Pass
• $15
• 3 Days
• All Weekend!

The gate fee covers all events in the Festival except for food, drink and gifts purchased as well as some workshops that offer take home crafts.
*Free Admission to volunteers who help with three hours of assistance and children age 16 and younger.

2019 Highlights

Swedish Meatballs
Band from New York City Area

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Simple Gifts
String instrument duet from Central Pennsylvania

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Toronto Swedish Folk Dance Team

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Thule Swedish Adult and Children's Folk Dance Teams

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The Probables
Rhythm-driven, folk/cana roots rock band
**Concert only Friday July 19**

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Viking Mixed Chorus

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A Major Series of Lectures
Historical & Educational

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A New  Scandinavian Food Court

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Viking Ship Norseman

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The "footprint" of the Festival will be much smaller this year.
Located in the Carnahan building and space between this building and the JCC Gymnasium, but will continue to have the features.

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Thank you for the Financial Support
This project is made possible with financial donations from many individuals and local organizations/businesses.  In particular we recognize the support of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Tri-County Arts Council.

Festival Food Court

The Scandinavian Folk Festival is presenting an array of Scandinavian Foods in one location in the Scandinavian Food Court. This Food Court will be located near the entertainment tent and at times will offer its own entertainment.

Serving around the covered seating for dinning will be 3Cs Food Truck offering a variety of traditional dishes, the Beer/Wine wagon, Norm's Korvburgers and the Kaffe Stuga. This will be a great place to gather with family and friends.

3Cs Food Truck

3Cs catering service will provide the traditional food this year. 

The menu includes a variety plate, Swedish meatballs, rice pudding, rotomos, yellow pea soup, brown beans and some non Swedish favorites.

Beer & Wine Wagon

Enjoy Danish Carlsberg Beer or some local favorites or a selection of wines.

Kaffe Stuga

Ice Cream with strawberries is always good on a warm Summer day! Take a fika (coffee break) with a homemade "goodie."

Norm’s Korv Burgers

The American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation will be serving Norm's world famous korvburgers.  Norm Owen created the korvburger for the Scandinavian Folk Festival.  A korv meat patty is served on a rye bun with a choice of lingonberries or other condiments.

 
Other Food Vendors

Mr. D’s

Returning to offer a variety of good ole' festival food, some of which include:

• Curly Fries
• Fried Dough
• Hamburgers

Franklin’s Honey and Apples

They will have their usual kettle corn and honey products, caramel apple dessert, cotton candy, beeswax hand cream, and fruit logs.

Swedish Meatballs

Led by Ellen Lindstrom, Swedish Meatballs hail from the New York City area and perform regularly in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut region.

They are already scheduled for more than 37 events in 2019 and we are pleased that they have included Jamestown in their tour.

This trio will focus primarily on Swedish gammeldans (waltz, polka, schottis) music while including some American selections in their performance.

They describe themselves as "toe-tapping, foot-stomping, heart-touching eclectic musical band."

The Probables

The local band "The Probables" will perform one concert only on:

 

Friday July 19, 2019 at 8-9:30 PM.

 

The Probables are a rhythm-driven, folkcana/roots rock band formed in March of 2016 releasing recordings in 2016 and 2018. With influences of Americana, Folk, Contemporary, Bluegrass and Rock, The Probables result is a fusion with a unique blend.

 

The group consists of 5 members, most with Swedish heritage:

Steve Johnson - Lead Singer/Acoustic Guitar
Matt Gronquist - Accordion/Fiddle/Vocals
Adam McKillip - Mandolin/Vocals
Ryan Ecklund - Bass, and Nick Campbell - Drums

Simple Gifts

Two women plus twelve instruments equals one good time when Simple Gifts takes the stage. Drawing on an impressive variety of ethnic folk styles, their program will include a number of Scandinavian musical selections such as the lush sounds of Scandinavian twin fiddling, and original compositions written in a traditional style.

Combining tradition with innovation, Simple Gifts creates some of the finest arrangements in folk music today:  Based in the hills of central Pennsylvania, these women play an amazing array of instruments. Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon switch with ease among fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, guitjo, recorders, bowed psaltery, hammered dulcimer, baritone fiddle, guitar, and percussion.

Simple Gifts is frequently complimented on their stage presence, which is warm, personal, and accented with humor. They deliver their music with rare intensity and contagious enthusiasm. It’s obvious that Simple Gifts loves the music they play and knows how to share their excitement with the audience.

Svenska Spelmän

Western New York's own Swedish Band, Svenska Spelmän, has performed at all 17 Scandinavian Folk Festivals. All members are from Chautauqua County. Kathy Petersen plays the fiddle and nyckelharppa, Cheryl Ritch performs on the fiddle, Thomas Gestwicki on the guitar/banjo and Donald Sandy on the accordion.  They focus on the traditional music of Scandinavia such as the waltz, polka, schottis, ganglot, and hambo.  Their selections provide music both for enjoyable listening as well as dancing.  This band is also the music for the Thule Adult and Children's Folk Dance Teams.  They have performed in the Swedish embassy in Washington, DC and for the King and Queen of Sweden.

Viking Mixed Chorus

The Viking Mixed Chorus from our own Ingjald Lodge - Independent Order of Vikings will perform a concert on Friday evening.  Their selections include Swedish as well as English songs.  

 

Thule Lodge Adult and Children's Folk Dance Teams

The local Thule Lodge Vasa Order of America has two Swedish Folk Dance Teams - one with adults and one with children.  They have been part of our community for a number of generations.  The Adult Folk Dance Team toured Sweden in 2018 and worked with nine different folk dance teams to finesse their dancing skills.  The Children's Folk Dance Team danced with Sweden's Queen Sylvia when she last visited Jamestown.  The mission of both teams is to preserve the heritage of our Scandinavian Culture.

Both teams are always seeking new members so if interested let one of the dancers know.  The Children's Team is under the direction of Mary-AnnEva Ingrao and the instructor for the Adult team is Gerd Brigotta.  Both teams perform to the music of Svenska Spelmän.  

Toronto Swedish Folk Dance Team

 

This year's Scandinavian Folk Festival is proud to present the Swedish Folk Dance Team from Toronto, Canada.  They have been to the Festival in the past and are always well received.  We welcome them back after a two year absence.  This dance team is quite skilled and offers a colorful performance.  They will also encourage the audience to join in with their dancing.

Comedian Peter Hofert

Local comedian Peter Hofert will share his versions of the Scandinavian community.

 

Lilian and Guron Samuelsson

From Orebro, Sweden will provide Swedish music particularly in the Scandinavian Food Court.  They are relatives to Donna Johnson and her family.  We are pleased that they are visiting during the Scandinavian Folk Festival.

Vasa Voices

Returning to the Festival is the Vasa Voices from Cleveland, Ohio.  This group is a  mixed chorus who loves their Scandinavian (primarily Swedish) heritage and enjoys celebrating the culture by singing together. Sweden has a rich tradition of choral singing that goes back many centuries.  Their repertoire includes both contemporary and traditional Swedish choral music and folk songs, sacred as well as secular music. Most of the songs they sing are in Swedish, some are in English and a few in Danish and Norwegian.  The Vasa Voices have one performance on Saturday July 20 at 4 PM.

If you are interested in become a vendor with the Scandinavian Festival,
you can find the vendor application here.

Vendor Application

Festival Market Tent

The Festival Market Tent is staffed by volunteers and offers a wide variety of unique items. 

 

One section is the Loppis (flea market) where unique family heirlooms and used Scandinavian items are located.Festival volunteers are constantly seeking Scandinavian items at community sales during the year and bringing these items together in the Market Tent.  Anybody can place items for sale on a consignment basis.  It is already known that a collection of Swedish made copper and wooden items will be available. The Loppis offers one of a kind items that can not be purchased in a store.

 

 

Another section of the Festival Market Tent is the Hemslojdsbutik.  A wide variety of items that are hand made are offered. 

It could be Swedish painted items, Ecklof baked delicacies, hand knitted afghans, linens of many types such as pillow cases. tablecloths and table runners.  Even locally grown blueberries have been offered in the past.  A new item this year will be chainmail jewelry.

 

 

The Festival Market Tent also has a Gift Shop offering a wide variety of commercially made Scandinavian items such as calendars, books, Viking helmets, Swedish Christmas decorations, decorative plates and t-shirts.  Too many items to list.  Check out the Festival souvenirs.




 

 

Whichcraft

Finely Crafted by Cara - (Visit online)

  Cara does custom Scandinavian embroidered items including clothes, totes, tea towels, linens and so much more. This will be my 5th year joining from NJ!

 

Denell Conley of Kennedy, NY, will have handmade wooden gnomes and sailboats with Scandinavian ribbons.

Returning to JCC is Ellen Fjermedal with Ellen’s Rosemaling, famous for her painting. Make sure to stop by and give her a warm welcome!

Mor Mor’s Attic

European Sheepskins from Buffalo, NY, is joining us again this year.

 

The sheepskins are absolutely beautiful!

You can check them out at www.europeansheepskins.com.

Kate Kylander Svensson with Uniquely Swedish Gifts from Lititz, Pennsylvania

 

They will have a variety of Swedish and Scandinavian linens and gifts.

Anne Jorunn Syvertsen A new vendor coming all the way from NORWAY!

She will have many hand-knitted gifts and some handstitched items.

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The Stahlman Slate Company

Returning this year are Tim and Michele with their very nice decorative hanging artwork.

Barbara Nickerson

From Gerry, NY, is new this year; and will be selling knives, from pocket knives to katanas, and a small amount of jewelry. 

Sons of Vikings

New this year, coming all the way from Virginia Beach. They will be selling jewelry; brass, bronze, and sterling silver; T-shirts, drinking horns, helmets, and many more items.  www.sonsofvikings.com

Northern Lights Gifts from Pennsylvania will make their debut at this year’s festival.

They have been selling their products at Scandinavian festivals in the area for many years. They make many products themselves, and also sell some products they pickup in Scandinavia while visiting family and friends.

 

Folkdrakt or Scandinavian Folk Costumes

One of the most extensive collections of authentic vintage folk costumes from the Scandinavian Countries of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Lapland.  Each item of Folkdrakt has come over the Atlantic for its country of origin.  Knowledgeable guides will be available to explain the folkdrakt and their specific origin in Scandinavia on a map.  Perhaps you can locate your own family Parish folk costumes and begin to learn how to make one yourself. Carnahan 169

 

Scandinavian Dolls

Rarely seen Scandinavian dolls from Antique to Modern will be exhibited from 12-4 on Saturday, July 20 in the Exhibit Room 169 located in Carnahan Jackson Building .  A vintage Lundby of Sweden three story dollhouse, fully furnished will also be on display. Attendees may bring their antique dolls during these hours for evaluation by Kate Reed, a UFDC National Judge of Dolls.+

 

Ecklof Bakery

A continuously running film about baking delicious authentic bake goods at Jamestown’s original Scandinavian bakery …from scratch!  They taste just like what came out of your own grandmother’s oven!  Some historic items and photos will be displayed from this historic Jamestown institution. Carnahan 169

 

The Thule Lodge and the American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation

Displays of historic and current items from these famous Scandinavian Lodges that have played such an important role in the past in Americanizing newly arrived Scandinavian immigrants and today are such vital players in the effort to preserve our rich Scandinavian heritage.  Carnahan 169

 

Framed Carl Larson

Prints will be displayed on easels in the Exhibit Area throughout the weekend. These beloved paintings depict the turn of the century period from which most Swedish emigrants came to America and therefore are very cherished remembrances of their life at home in Sweden.

 

Tre Kronor Castle

An intricate scale model of “Gamla Slottet Tre Kronor” will be on display throughout the Festival.  Stockholm’s original magnificent historic Swedish Royal Castle Tre Kronor (meaning Three Crowns) was destroyed by fire in 1607.  Almost none of this fortress remains, having been replaced by the Baroque royal palace that exists today.  After years of study and travel to castles in Scandinavia, researcher/architect/modeler Michael Lindner has recreated this historic wonder of northern -European Renaissance architecture…rivaling any such models on display in Stockholm today.  It is a clear representation of Sweden’s military power and grandeur throughout history.  The beginnings of the castle Tre Kronor date back to the 1200s when it was a mere single tower-keep.  Over the centuries, monarchs added to the castle as needs and architectural styles changed.  The Renaissance in Sweden coincides with Gustav Vasa and the beginning of the Swedish Empire (Stormaktstiden).  Architect Lindner is active in the Scandinavian Club of Columbus, Ohio and will be on hand to provide explanations at the display and will present his virtual tour of Tre Kronor in the lecture series.  Carpenter 169

 

Swedish Chip Carving by Don Reed

Unique items of the ancient art of chip carving will be on display and the craft will be demonstrated in Carnahan 169 from noon to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Mary-AnnEva Ingrao
Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 716-489-1570
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Viking Ship Returns

Traditional Midsommar Celebration

      After the long dark winter days in Sweden, it is natural to celebrate the long warm light of the days of summer.  Since Sweden is more northerly than continental United States, we do not recognize the contrast of the two seasons as much as the people of Sweden.  Midsummer is the second most celebrated event after Christmas.  In Sweden, they celebrate this tradition on the summer solstice, the longest day of light in the year. 

      We will be celebrating midsummer at the Festival on Saturday July 20 at 11:00 AM.  Beginning at 10 AM one can assist in decorating the midsummer pole with flowers and greenery.  What a great place to insert some flowers from your garden in recognition of your ancestors.  At this time, one can also make a midsummer head wreath in preparation for the grand procession of the pole.  In this procession there will be at least 37 folk dancers in their colorful costumes, the flags of Scandinavia, and ten musicians.  When the 18 ft. tall midsummer pole is erected, the community ring dancing will begin.  This is when we all join in the fun, no experience required, instruction provided and enjoy traditional ring dances around the pole just like our immigrant ancestors did back in the 1800s.  Regardless of age or physical status, this is the time and place to celebrate.

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Finnish Wife Carrying Contest   

     On Saturday, July 20 at 4:00 PM the Scandinavian Folk Festival will conduct the Finnish wife carrying contest.  One really does not need to be married but it must be a male and female at least 18 year's old.  The object is to be the fastest person carrying one's partner around an obstacle course consisting of some bails of hay, tires and water hazards.  The fastest couple wines the female's weight in beer.  (Weighing can be private.)  The second place team wins $50.  Participants must wear provided helmets.  Even if you are not willing to enter, this event is a hoot to watch.  There is no entrance fee and registration begins at 3:30 PM.

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Scandinavian Trivia Contest

     Win $100 for the trivia team with the highest point value of correct answers. 

• There will be three rounds of questioning with about 6 questions in each round and one tie breaker question.   
• All questions will relate to Scandinavia.   
• The contest will be held on Saturday July 20 at 6 PM.   
• Teams can be up to four people. 
• No internet connections allowed.   
• No fees to enter, just organize your team and join the fun. 
• Nobody gets all the answers correct.

Genealogy Help Table

Volunteer genealogists from the Fenton History Center will be at this exhibit to help you find your ancestors! 

 

It’s easier than you think!  The genealogists will explain available resources at home and at the Fenton.  Carnahan Building - Every afternoon.

 

Crafts and Demonstrations
Exhibit Area - Carnahan Building

 

Spinning Wool to Yarn  by  Lynne Meyers - Saturday and Sunday 1- 4 PM
Many thousands of years ago, man discovered how to twist the fibers of plants and animal hair to produce thread, yarn and rope.  Without this discovery, we would still be wearing animal hides and pelts.  The different stages of wool preparation will be displayed.

Huck Embroidery by Julie Fried - Saturday Beginners Class 1-3 PM, Advanced Class  3 -5 PM
This type of Swedish weaving uses the vertical threads, called “floats”, on one side of the cloth, or the horizontal floats on the opposite side of the cloth to create beautiful designs.

Chip Carving by Don Reed and Culture Day Students - Saturday 1-4 PM
Chip Carving is a style of carving in which knives or chisels are used to remove small chips of wood from a flat surface in a single piece.  It is an ideal technique for a person who wants to learn a bit about woodworking,  but has always been discouraged at the prospect of buying a garage full of expensive and intimidating power tools.  What’s needed is a little bit of patience and some time on you hands.

Hardanger Embroidery and Scherensehitte by Rhonda Hedlund - Saturday 1-4 PM
Hardanger is a type of embroidery named for the Hardanger plateau between Norway and Sweden, where the milkmaids took the cows in summer.  This simple form of  Norwegian embroidery is worked with white thread on white even-weave linen or cloth, using counted thread and drawn thread work techniques.  It is sometimes called whitework embroidery, however can be done in color.  It was often used for linens, caps, and aprons.

Scherensehitte means “scissor cuts” in German and is the art of paper cutting design.  The art work often had rotational symmetry within the design and common forms include silhouettes, valentines and love letters.

Broomstick Lace by Gail Peterson - Saturday  1-4 PM

Broomstick lace is a unique crochet stitch that uses a crochet hook to pull tall loops of thread up on a dowel (historically, a broomstick, which is where the name comes from.  The loops are made left to right across the row forming a lace.  It is sometimes called jiffy lace or peacock eye crochet and is often used to make beautiful scarves..

 

Festival Cooking Contest -  Pepparkakor Cookies

Do you make the best pepparkokar cookies in the area?  These traditional Christmas cookies, good any time of the year, will be judged by a team of Swedes.  The best cookie will receive $50 and the second best $25.

 

One needs to bring a dozen cookies in order to enter the contest.  A registration from will be completed and each entry will be given a number.  The recipe must also be attached but will not be shared without consent.  Cookies will be judged based on appearance and taste at 4:30 PM on Saturday July 20.  The sample cookies can be delivered between 3:30 and 4:30 to Kim Loux just outside the door to the Exhibit Room in the Carnahan Building.