Scandinavian Festival Celebrates Norway

Atlanta, GA -- April 25, 2004 -- The 10th annual Scandinavian Festival will be held on May 1 & 2, 2004 at the Cobb County Civic Center. Each year nine Scandinavian clubs in Atlanta participate in arranging this event, which showcases the best of Scandinavia. The Festival includes live music and entertainment from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, as well as genealogy, delicious pastries, a 5K Run, storytelling, children's games, arts and crafts and lots of vendors offering hard-to-find-elsewhere Scandinavian products. 

   This year the spotlight is on Norway and the program features an array of musical talents, such as the Scandia Duet with accordion and fiddle joined by local Atlanta musicians entertaining the attendees with lively jazz jam sessions. Returning is Marion Barker, an internationally known trombonist followed by a premier performance by the local Dickerson Middle School Jazz Band. 

   In the new Country House setting, Betty Ann Wylie, a skilled Georgia storyteller, will lure her audiences into the imagery of Scandinavian folklore and fairytales. Pretending to be an old-time Norwegian immigrant Ole Oleson unpack his Immigrant Trunk and captivates festival-goers with activities which revive the life and adventures of the Scandinavians who settled in America in the mid-1800s. 

   After a healthy 5K run for adults and kids or just a walk around the venues, sip a cup of Swedish coffee and indulge in divine baked goods, while the Scandinavian Folk dancers of North Carolina return to delight with a wide variety of folk dances in their traditionally colorful costumes. Sample the Scandinavian specialty foods offered in the food court. Shop in the Country Store for lingonberry jam from Sweden, Norwegian cheeses, liquor-filled chocolates from Finland and many other specialty items. Sip rhubarb tea, hug a troll and share lefse - all in fun.

   A genealogist will also be on hand to help festival attendees trace their roots in Scandinavia. And don't forget to meet the people and learn about the past and present cultures and customs of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden through cultural exhibits and activities ranging from rosemaling and weaving demonstrations to melted tin fortune readings and icewool.

   Scandinavian Festival hours are Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets: Adults $5, Seniors/Students $4, Children 6-12 years $1 and less than 6 years are free. For Festival updates and participation options, please visit the web site or contact info@scandga.org .