Held the 3rd weekend in June each year.
Stromsburg looks forward to its 50th annual celebration in 2002.
On the third weekend in June everyone in Stromsburg becomes Swedish at heart. Their name may not be Johnson or Anderson or Carlson but they're talking Ostkaka, Swedish meatballs, potato bologna, and rye bread. Citizens don their Swedish garb to welcome the thousands of visitors that come to our little town to experience true Swedish food and celebration.
The Swedish Festival acknowledges Stromsburg as the “Swede Capital of Nebraska.” It follows the tradition of the Midsummer's Eve Celebration that the Country of Sweden holds each year, when the people celebrate the return of summer to Sweden by commemorating the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. They stay up most of the night and dance around gaily decorated maypoles. The holiday, which dates back 200 years in Swedish history, is described as a combination of the American Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.
We do not stay up most of the night in Stromsburg, but you will find a gaily decorated maypole with Swedish costumed children dancing around it. There is plenty of authentic home-cooked Swedish food to satisfy your ethnic hunger. Grandma unlocks the door of her “Kitchen” at 9:00 AM on Friday to begin the weekend's festivities and there are many other midsummer activities.
Food
"Grandma's Kitchen" is located on the south side of the City Square in the Viking Center. Sponsored by local women and men, it features a variety of Swedish and other dishes. It is open all day Friday and Saturday and visitors may dine in air-conditioned comfort.
On Friday evening an outdoor chicken barbecue in held on the north side of the Square. This very popular event is sponsored by the Stromsburg Chamber of Commerce and is always well attended. Chicken halves are cooked to perfection over an open fire pit. Just watching the men of the community turn the racks is a sight to see.
Swedish pancakes are served for breakfast on Saturday morning at the local restaurants and the Methodist Church.
To experience the true feeling of dining in Sweden you must attend the annual Smörgåsbord. The High School gymnasium is transformed into a delightful Swedish atmosphere where long tables are set up to hold the vast array of delicacies. Swedish dressed men and women will show you to your seat and guide you to the self-served smörgåsbord. There are cold fish dishes, including anchovies, herring, salmon, and sardines. Next will be a large assortment of salads followed by the hot dishes of ham, meatballs, potato bologna, baked salmon, baked beans, scalloped corn and scalloped potatoes. Don't forget the breads -- homemade rye bread and wheat rolls. Add to this various kinds of cheeses, including Bond-Ost, a true cheese lover's delight! Desserts include fresh fruit, fruit salad, pastry, and that marvelous Swedish pudding Ostkaka.
The Smörgåsbord is held on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Tickets are sold by advance reservation only and may be purchased by calling 402-764-4091 or 402-764-5265.
There are also food booths and bake sales by local organizations in the City Square, the Viking Center, and the Senior Center.
Royalty
On Friday evening the naming of the
Honorary Swede occurs. This award is for
a Stromsburg native who has moved away
from the locality and has a high regard for
his/her heritage. The Honorary Swede for
2001 is Duane Jones of Osceola, Nebraska.
The main event of the evening is the crowning of the King and Queen of the Festival. This prestigious honor is for individuals who have performed outstanding service to the community.
Free Entertainment
On the outdoor stage in the City Square Park, Friday and Saturday nights. Plenty of seating is provided. Local and regional talent is featured. Young people keep the traditional Swedish dances alive, including the Maypole dance.
Parades
Children's Parade – Saturday morning.
Grand parade - Saturday afternoon.
Carnival
Located around the City Square Park
Children's activities
Clowns, Money pit, Heritage Zoo Mobile, Children's tractor pull, Kids' Parade, Kids' talent show, and more. All activities are free of charge.
Craft Show
In the City Square Park and the Senior Center.
Other activities
10K Run, Horseshoe Pitching, Softball Tournament, Home & Leisure Show, dances, concerts, and more.
50th Annual Swedish Festival Schedule - June 21, 22, 23, 2002
(For subsequent years and photo gallery see www.stromsburgnebraska.org)
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2002
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Grandma's Kitchen
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Swedish Craft Shop
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Senior Center Health Fair
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Free Entertainment in City Square
4:30 to 7:00 p.m. CHICKEN BARBECUE
5:00 p.m. Swedish Dancers
5:30 p.m. Naming of Honorary Swede
6:00 p.m. Crowning of King & Queen
6:30 p.m. Free Entertainment in Square
SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2002
7:00 a.m. Swedish Pancakes
8:30 a.m. 5 K, 10 K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Call 402-764-2064 for information
9:00 a.m. 14th Annual Softball Tournament
9:00 a.m. Horseshoe Tournament
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Art & Craft Festival
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Swedish Craft Shop
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Home, Garden & Leisure Show
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Grandma's Kitchen
10:30 a.m. Children's Parade
11:00 a.m. State Sanctioned Children's Tractor Pull
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Smorgasbord Completely Handicap Accessible
Advanced Reservations Call 402-764-4091 or 402-764-5265
12:30 p.m. Kid's Talent Show Ages 3 to 18
3:00 p.m. GRAND PARADE
5:00 p.m. Free Entertainment
6:00 p.m. Swedish Dancers
6:45 p.m. Raffle Drawings & Parade Results
7:00 p.m. Free Entertainment in City Square
9:30 – 11:30 Teen Activities
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2002
9:00 a.m. Softball Tournament
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Church Services
402-764-2101
E-mail: chambermail@alltel.net