Scandinavian Festival Returns to Cal Lutheran Thousand Oaks on April 14-15

Scandinavian Festival returns to CLU  
Young children admitted free to April 14-15 event   

The Scandinavian Festival will provide affordable family fun when it returns to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks on April 14 and 15.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 14 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 15 with food, entertainment and demonstrations highlighting the Nordic cultures of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. A “Gammal Dans” (old-time dance) will be held 5 to 6 p.m. April 14 under a big tent.

The festival opens on April 14 with a colorful parade of flags featuring Scandinavian dignitaries and Old World costumes and continues with music, dancing and lectures.

The event offers something for everyone. Children will be given passports that they can have stamped at various craft booths representing the Scandinavian countries. Adults can try their hands at crafts such as Hardanger and bobbin lace.

Each afternoon, adults and children dance around a Maypole with music provided by Ross Sutter. A Scandinavian worship service will be held on April 17. Visitors can also explore Viking and Sami villages, and exhibits on the Nobel and Kavli prizes. Shoppers can choose from a variety of Scandinavian handicrafts and a smorgasbord of Nordic delicacies.

A Swedish-American professor and Norwegian-American administrator started the festival 38 years ago to showcase Scandinavian culture and the CLU campus. The university was the dream of Scandinavian immigrants and it was built on land provided by the son of Norwegian pioneers. The cultural celebration has expanded from 600 participants at the inaugural event to more than 6,000 visitors a year today.

Family Activities

• Head wreaths: Make a head wreath with real flowers and ribbon! Good for all ages and boys and girls, men and women alike.

• Maypole: We will raise the Maypole and dance around it while singing traditional songs.

• Kubb: Come learn the ancient game of the Vikings. It’s a bit like horseshoes, but without horseshoes or the stake.

• Croquet: Try your hand at hitting the balls through our Dala Horse hoops.

• Festival Stage: Music, singing and dancing will change hourly. On Saturday at 10:30 the Festival will open with a colorful parade of flags, along with dignitaries from the Scandinavian countries. Many will be in Old World costumes.

• Food Court: In the food court, you will find a variety of Scandinavian foods such as Swedish Meatballs, Aebleskivers, Swedish Pancakes, Lefse, Danish Pastries, and more.

• Craft and Food Demonstrations: Ever wondered how to make Krumkake or tried making bobbin lace? Demonstrations will take place on both days.

The festival is free to children 11 and younger. General admission is $7. For more information, visit www.scandinaviancenter.org.