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 ince 1961, the people of
Junction
City Oregon have been celebrating their rich Scandinavian heritage by transforming
the downtown area into a charming old world town. Offering cultural entertainment and
activities in the authentic Scandinavian spirit, this four day event pays homage to the
cultures of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
Visitors from across the country find treasured handicrafts
including rosemalling, hardanger, pottery, woodcrafts, needle work,
and original paintings, drawings, and watercolors.
Whether you prefer to participate or spectate,
the Scandinavian Festival offers a variety of events for the whole family.
Colorful costumes are highlighted during the fashion show, and storytellers
and actors bring to life the tales of Hans Christian Andersen; and the
ever-popular folk dancers are commonly caught with both feet off the ground.
Noted as one of the festival's most spectacular features, these folk dancers
travel from all over the Pacific Northwest to perform and instruct. Choral
and instrumental groups, numerous stage
events, and the historical
museum tour add color and diversity to the Scandinavian festivities.
ABOUT THE
FESTIVAL
 Junction City, Oregon
is located in the beautiful Willamette Valley between Eugene and Corvallis. The Festival was
started in 1961 by Dr. Gale Fletchall as a way to save a dying town.
Downtown businesses were closing up, as the new Interstate 5, which bypassed
Junction City, was diverting most of the traffic going through town on
Highway 99. It was then that Fletchall began searching for a rallying point
for community spirit. He thought a city wide celebration would be ideal, but
he was stumped for a theme. He considered and discarded several
possibilities before settling on the most obvious, a celebration of the
city’s very real but very dormant Scandinavian heritage. He talked the idea
over with older Danish residents, and then secured financial backing from
the chamber of commerce in May of 1961. The first community classes in
Scandinavian dancing and singing were organized a few weeks later, and
church and civic organizations were persuaded to operate food and craft
booths. In August, 1961 the first annual Scandinavian Festival opened in
temporary booths in downtown Junction City. Fletchall expected perhaps 2,000
visitors; he got 25,000. And the rest is history, as it is one of Oregon's
most popular events. |
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Contact Us:
We're always looking for new quality
food and craft vendors; as well as costumed dancers and musicians to perform
at the Festival. For questions, applications, or more information you can
contact us by
E-mail phone us at (541)998-9372, or snail
mail.
 Would
you like to be a member of the
Scandinavian Festival Association?
Be a part of one of the Northwest's greatest
celebrations!
Join the Scandinavian Festival Association
.
CLICK HERE to download the application form.
| VEN (individual) $10 -
includes 1 pin |
FAMILIE (family) $30
- includes 2 pins |
| GARANT (Sponsor) $50
- includes 2 pins |
DONATOR (donor) $100 |
| VIRKSOMHED (business) $100 |
VELYNDER (patron)
$250 plus |
Make check to "Junction City Scandinavian
Festival Assoc." and mail to:
Scandinavian Festival Association
P.O. Box 5
Junction City Oregon 97448
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