Lovely Lucia

Here’s a beautiful video of a lovely Lucia celebration.

Christmas Greetings to Air on MPBN

Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss it! MBPN TV will be airing “Christmas Greetings From Aroostook” on December 23, 2010 at 9 pm and also December 25 at 4 pm. Watching this presentation with family and friends has become a tradition in itself.  Christmas celebrations in the Swedish colony are highlighted, including Lucia. The music and lights of small towns around the County herald the special ways that various communities mark the holiday season.

Brenda Jepson of Crown of Maine productions has once again brought wonderful images, sounds, and memories to viewers in this heart-warming video.

Midsommar Memories at the Winter Solstice

Sometimes a bit of summer seems to be needed. As we approach the darkest and shortest day of the year, maybe remembering the sweet golden days of Midsommar would be nice for a few moments. Check out “The Places You Never Knew Existed. . . Midsommar in New Sweden.”

Be sure to view the photo gallery!

Midsommar blooma

60 Lucias

See a slide show of sixty Lucias in Finland, one for each year 1950-2009.

Lucia

Lucia is celebrated tomorrow in New Sweden, Maine at the elementary school at 6:30 as  has been the tradition for many years.

Around the world many versions of Lucia will take place.

In Helsinki, Finland the elected Lucia will descend the steep steps and ride in a beautiful carriage through the city streets in a parade.

In British Columbia, Canada students of the Scandinavian and Nordic Cultural Association present their version.

A youtube clip from Sweden in 2002 shares the young girls singing Santa Lucia.

In Mora, Sweden the Saint Lucia procession arrives at the old church in a horse-drawn sleigh.

Even New Zealand celebrates Lucia!

Christmas Fair in Sweden

It seems not so far distant. There’s snow. There’s Christmas music. There are home made foods for sale at the Christmas fair. It is Stockholm and we have a Stockholm too.
So even though there are many miles that separate the Old Town of Stockholm, Sweden and the little village of Stockholm, Maine, there are ties that bind. Enjoy the photos of the Christmas Fair in the Old Town of Stockholm.

Swedes in American Cities

“In the census of 1900 the number of Swedish born citizens in Chicago exceeded the population of Gothenburg. In other words, Chicago was the second city of Sweden!”

Swedes in American Cities has a link for History where there are several short essays including one on city life in the USA.

The Stockholm Story

Here’s a promising website, The Stockholm Story-Our Cultural Heritage on the Web.

If you are familiar with the Maine Memory Net project, then this appears to be its counterpart, only its in Sweden. Here in Maine, various historical societies,  schools, and libraries have collaborated to make archival materials come to life on the web. Narratives have been written to accompany photographs from historical collections. New Sweden and Stockholm here in Aroostook County (along with other County towns and cities) have placed a large collection of their holdings online through the Maine Memory Net, a project of the Maine Historical Society.

So if you are interested in seeing what our Swedish counterparts have to share with us on the other side of the Atlantic, check it out. Click on the little British flag for the English translation. Thanks to Erik Alm in Sweden for sharing.

Stokdijk Farm & Greenhouse Open House

Here is another brand new family event for New Sweden’s Midsommar 2010! Support local agriculture!

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Visit Stokdijk Farm & Greenhouse Open House, 478 Rista Road, New Sweden, Maine. The farm overlooks one of the most beautiful scenic views of the area. Stokdijks are offering a variety of annuals, hanging baskets, and vegetables in the Spring and a wide range of produce through the Summer and Fall.  Ask how you can get 10% off with their Community Supported Agriculture program. The open house is one day only, Friday June 18, 2010 from 8 am until 3 pm. Bring the family and enjoy this free event while supporting our local farmers.  FMI: Kimberly Stokdijk, 207-896-5757, email: info@stokdijkfarm.com.

Check out the Stokdijk website.

See the full Midsommar calendar.

Sled Dog Kennel Tours

Here’s a great opportunity to visit a sled dog kennel during the 2010 Midsommar Festival!

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Heywood Kennel, 141 South Main Street, Stockholm, Maine is inviting visitors to tour their facility on Friday and Saturday, June 18 and 19, 2010 at 1 pm. Learn the history of Dog Sledding in Sweden. See a professional racing kennel set up. Lindy and Kevin will answer all questions about their racing and dog sled rides. The tour is free and open to the public. Bring the kids and enjoy a great family event. FMI: Lindy Howe, 207-896-3038, email: heywoodkennel@yahoo.com

Check out Heywood Kennel’s website.

See the full Midsommar schedule.