News Release 12-059
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director
Media contact:
Mohammad Mostafavinassab, (425) 823-2992 Mohammad.Mostafavinassab@parks.wa.gov
Hilary Schult, (360) 902-8604 Hilary.Schult@parks.wa.gov
Elaine Everitt, Skandia Folkdance Society, (260) 915-9606 SkandiaMidsommar@gmail.com
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
Skandia Midsommarfest returns to Saint Edward State Park
OLYMPIA –
June 12, 2012 –
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Skandia Folkdance Society invite the public to Skandia Midsommarfest on June 24 at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 24 at Saint Edward State Park, 14445 Juanita Drive N.E. in Kenmore. Skandia Folkdance Society presents a traditional Swedish celebration of the summer solstice, recreating authentic activities practiced in Sweden for centuries. Following the grand parade, spectators are invited to help hoist the 35-foot-tall Midsommar pole and join the långdans (serpentine running dance around the pole) with costumed musicians and dancers. Groups representing other Nordic countries and cultures also contribute to the festivities. Dance and music performances begin first thing in the morning. Festival admission is free. The Discover Pass is not required to attend this event; the Skandia Folkdance Society has covered the access fee for event attendees as part of the event contract lease.
A special feature of the festival is the Hemslöjdsmarknad, an avenue of traditional arts and crafts booths featuring demonstrations and items available for purchase. Traditional Scandinavian food is available for purchase. Visitors may decorate their own midsommarkrans, a flower crown.
Activities for children during the event include Midsommar button making, dancing workshops, storytelling and arts and crafts. Children may enjoy learning about Midsommar traditions by raising their own Midsommar pole before the main event.
Skandia Midsommarfest is sponsored by the Skandia Folkdance Society. The organization is a non-profit educational and cultural society dedicated to the preservation and teaching of traditional dance culture and music of Nordic lands. For more information about Skandia Midsommarfest or the Skandia Folkdance Society, visit www.skandia-folkdance.org.
June is Washington State Great Outdoors Month. Enjoy Washington’s many recreational activities and celebrate the month dedicated to environmental stewardship and the appreciation of the outdoors. Many state parks will play host to a variety of events in June. For information about events at Washington state parks, visit www.parks.wa.gov/events.
Saint Edward State Park is a day-use park with 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington. The Late Romanesque Revival style seminary building, designed by Seattle architect John Graham, sits amidst expansive park grounds that include a stand of forest with hiking trails to the shores of the lake.
Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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