The 27th annual smörgåsbord of family fun features all things Nordic
BUDD LAKE On Sunday, Sept. 4 the 27th annual ScanFest will be held in NJ Vasa Park in Budd Lake.from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., rain or shine. This is the largest Nordic festival on the East coast. ScanFest is an all-day outdoor event celebrating the food, crafts, arts, traditions and current life of the Nordic countries of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Some of the featured entertainment: Harald Haugaard and Helene Blum: voice, violin, mandolin, guitar. Two of Denmark’s finest artists blend beautiful old Danish ballads with neck-breaking fiddle tunes in great passion and presence. Awesome acoustic music with integrity and innovation. A definite “must-see.” Kaivama: Minnesota’s Sara Pajunen and Jonathan Rundman excavate their Finnish-American roots in unique and fascinating musical ways: a bridge between this Finnish-Am generation and their ancestors’ time-honored music. Roger Hellevig’s recreation of Ole Oleson, Norwegian Immigrant to the US Two performances by Magnus Martensson mixing comedy and classical piano in the style of the late Victor Borge. Ruthann Cunningham, professional classical soprano with arias by Grieg and Sibelius, others. Norsewinds: a unique mix of energetic Scandinavian and American original and traditional folk music, (and a couple Irish pub songs). The upbeat sounds of Eric Olsen’s Jazz Quartet. The VonHalstern medieval/Viking combat demonstrations Vinland Longship Norse re-enactors encampment and demos The Leif Ericsson Society’s viking longship “Norseman” in regalia The second annual Wife-Carrying Contest Obstacle Course Carry a wife, any wife, and win her weight in beer! An all-invited jam, so bring an instrument. Folk dancing, craft demos, kids activities, food, shopping and informative talks. General admission is $14 at the gate, $13 for seniors (less than 40¢ per performance). Those wearing authentic Nordic regional folkdress and children 12 and under are free. For more information, www.ScanFest.org.