POULSBO — The Sons of Norway’s Midsommarfest on June 20 kicks off the lodge’s year-long centennial celebration.
But first, some things you need to know, courtesy of Sons of Norway lodge member Phil Swenson.
First, Midsommarfest is a traditional Swedish celebration of the summer solstice. The raising of the Maistang, or Midsommar pole? A Swedish tradition. The bonfires and the Vikings? OK, those are Norwegian. The amalgamation of those traditions into a single event? Purely Poulsbo.
According to Swenson, it speaks to the diversity and all-inclusive-ness of the lodge, founded 100 years ago as a safety net for the families of bread-winners in high-risk jobs like fishing and logging. The local lodge’s member-ship now includes people whose ancestries hail from most, if not all, continents, brought together out of an appreciation for Scandinavian culture, local history, social enrichment and the opportunity to participate in projects that benefit the community.
Back to Midsommarfest. It all takes place in Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. From 11 a.m. to noon, materials will be available for head wreathmaking. Noon to 1:30 p.m., watch the raising of the Maistang, followed by entertainment by the lodge’s Leikarringen Dancers.
At 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the lodge, traditional foods will be served (you can also get a “Viking dog” meal — hot dog, chips and soda) and the lodge’s centennial plaque will be unveiled.
At 2:30 p.m., the lodge will present, “Overview of Our Lodge in the Last Hundred Years.” A bonfire will follow in the park.