A sign welcomes visitors to the annual Scandinavian Midsommar celebration at Way Park on Northfield’s west side. The event has been going on here for about 20 years, following the Scandinavian tradition of celebrating the end of a long winter and the beginning of summer, typically on the day of the summer solstice.
THE SCANDINAVIANS (and non-Scandinavians) of Northfield (and elsewhere) welcomed summer to this southeastern Minnesota city with music and dance, games and picnic dinners on a perfect Sunday summer evening in Way Park.
Being 100 percent German and all, I’d never witnessed the tradition of celebrating the summer solstice.
Perhaps you haven’t either.
So join me for the festivities via this photo essay. Feel the hint of a summer breeze. Listen to the music singing from violins and accordions. Weave wisps of willows into wreaths accented by blossoms of daisies and clover, bee balm and coral bells.
Bite into a slice of juicy watermelon or a traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich.
Feel the anticipation of young and old alike as they line up to parade around the park, up and down the steps to cluster around the maypole.
Pick up your feet and dance. Dance away the memories of winter as you welcome summer.
The Midsommar parade, led by musicians, begins around the north end of Way Park.
Dancing around the maypole with a sun ball, from an earlier game, resting nearby.
For those who didn’t know the dances, instructions were printed on poster board.
Those who can no longer dance simply watched and enjoyed.
Before the dancing, the musicians gathered under shade trees to entertain the crowd that dined and made wreaths, visited…
Eleanor Croone, left, and her husband, Al, brought a picnic lunch and spread it out on an authentic Swedish tablecloth accented by a daisy bouquet. They are, says, Al, 127 percent Swedish. The Swedes, he says, just pull off the road for picnics. Eleanor has an authentic Swedish costume but, since it’s made of wool, can’t wear it on a warm summer evening.
Ten-year-old Bella weaves a wreath for her head with willows and flowers.
Adults and kids try to keep “the sun” in the sky as they celebrate the summer solstice, several days after the fact.
CHECK BACK for more photos of the annual Scandinavian Midsommar celebration in Northfield.
© Copyright 2012 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
That watermelon tasted wonderful!!! Great pictures, as usual!!! Loved it!
LOL. Thank you, Beth. More photos of Midsommar are forthcoming.
Yippee!
We agree– it was a perfect summer evening. After a week of storms, the sun reappeared to warm and dry the earth again. In the shade of Way Park’s big trees, the breezes seemed to mellow every one out. When it was time to put things away –until next year– people lingered and continued to savor the music, the dancing, the children, the watermelon. Thanks for being there. Come back!
Thank you for welcoming us on such a lovely evening to your equally lovely celebration. It was a delight watching and photographing the festivities. Everyone really seemed to enjoy the activities, which truly engaged a wide range of ages. Well done.
You are so good about spreading the news about the Minnesota love! You’re like a guidebook…a travelogue…and that’s awesome!
Thank you, Gretchen. I try. There’s so much to see and do right here in outstate/GREATER Minnesota, if only we are aware and take the time to enjoy the offerings.
Audrey, great write up and photos. Together they tell a great story.
Thank you, Ryan.