Scandinavian Festival 2011

In 1955, a young doctor, Gale Fletchall, and his wife moved to Junction City, OR.   In the past, Hwy. 99 was the main north/south thoroughfare and it ran right through the small town of Junction City.  With the coming of the I-5 corridor, Junction City was bypassed and the town was slowly dying.

Dr. Fletchall was instrumental in convincing the townspeople that they needed something to draw people to Junction City.  Drawing on the large Scandinavian population already living in the area, the Scandinavian Festival was born in 1956.  It has been going strong ever since.

We attended today and had a great time.  The weather was perfect (low 80s) and there was not a cloud in the sky.  What more could we ask? 

The city closes several blocks in the core downtown area and the information booth is at the center.

















In 1976-77, Russ worked in Junction City at the US National Bank.  He looked a little different in those days.




This festival does not have a carnival and I kinda like that.  But there is plenty to see and do…and EAT.  We restrained ourselves (or at least Russ did) but I HAD to have a Fri-jo.  After I ate it I wished I had eaten the meat pie instead…too much sugar, but delicious just the same.



Lots and lots of food booths are located throughout the festival.  Everything from soul food (don’t know how that is Scandinavian but it sure smelled good) to Abelskivers and Meat pies.



As usual, the line for the meat pies was the longest, stretching across the street and for a block or more down the alley.  They are sooo yummy!

There are many local crafters who come to the festival each year.  There are Scandinavian Vests, weaving, lace making, colorful floral head leis, and hand crafted signs and bird houses…and that’s just for starters.  And of course we all know Barbie is a Scandinavian so there must be Barbie dresses for sale : ))

We found a wood-worker who brought his saw along and had a lot of beautiful pieces for sale.  We bought a new sign for Therapy so that ya’ll can find us when we park in your neighborhood.  I need to finish it but I think it will be great.  Look for it in the front window when you see a silver Lazy Daze parked somewhere.



But it seems no matter how artsy/crafty the activity, you can’t get away from technology, even if you’re a Viking.



But I think one of the biggest draws is the music.  There are several stages for exhibition dancing and later in the evening, there is community dancing.

Almost everyone in the community participates in one way or another and the kids start dancing from a very young age.










This older couple sure seemed to be enjoying the music.



She just could not sit still


All in all a very enjoyable day, even if we did get tired.  Even this nice fella had to take a break.



If you are ever in Junction City, OR during the second week of August, I highly recommend a trip to the Scandinavian Festival.