The Swedish Festival In Nebraska That’s Full Of Authentic Delights
By Delana Lefevers|Published March 02, 2019
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Mark your calendars for one of Nebraska’s most iconic celebrations. This June, the 67th annual Midsommar Festival will take place in the “Swede Capital of Nebraska,” Stromsburg. This small Polk County town throws the kind of party you definitely don’t want to miss.
Stromsburg, near the city of York, boasts a population of just 1,171. But that number increases significantly on the third full weekend of June every year. That's when the Stromsburg Swedish Midsommar Festival turns the town into a little piece of Sweden right here in Nebraska.
The town was founded in the 1860s by Swedish immigrants. Finding the area to be similar to their homeland, they settled here and brought many of their customs and traditions with them.
The town's identity is closely tied to this heritage. You can see Swedish influences in the architecture, public art, businesses, and even small details like welcome signs written in Swedish.
The town really comes alive for the Midsommar Festival every year. It's a weekend-long event celebrating the Swedish culture both in the old world and here in Nebraska. Swedish traditions blend with good old Nebraska fun to create a party unlike any other.
At the festival you can expect to find traditional Swedish dancing and food, Swedish cultural demonstrations, crowning of the festival King & Queen, a big parade, a tractor pull, and other events that will delight everyone in the family.
You'll see the Nebraska influence on the festival's activities in the form of a kickball tournament, horseshoe tournament, BBQ, and pancake feed. But make no mistake - this party is all about the town's Swedish roots, and even in the events that aren't exactly Swedish in origin you'll see plenty of Swedish influence.
The carnival midway is one of the mostly highly anticipated parts of the Midsommar Festival, with rides and games for kids of all ages. The entire festival weekend is packed so full of fun activities and delicious food that you may just want to take Monday off to recuperate.
Stromsburg’s 67th Annual Swedish Midsommar Festival will take place on June 14-16. It stretches out across the entire town – just find your way to Stromsburg and you’ll find the festival. Find out more, including a schedule of events, right here.
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