The Midsummer festivities will be celebrated on Saturday, June 14th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. across from the Erlander House Museum at 404 S. 3rd Street, Rockford, IL.
Visitors can enjoy the magic of summer by stepping into a quaint Swedish village, featuring, Mormor’s Attic, Blackhawk Wood Carvers, blacksmithing, and an abundance of artisans' shops in the “Marknad”.
Swedish pancakes and meatballs from Stockholm Inn, strawberries and ice cream, baked goods and other goodies from several local vendors will be served. The Erlander Home Museum will be open for tours throughout the day. Visitors are also encouraged to enter the raffles which promise wonderful prizes. There will also be an ice cream eating contest and other fun games.
As always, there will be music and dancing with Rockford’s own Ernie Sandquist, the Swedish Folk dancers, Spelmanslag a Scandinavin Folk Dance band, Nordic Dancers of Chicago, and entertainment by Michael Beert from RSO. Visitors will be given the opportunity to join the dancers and learn a few steps while dancing around the Maypole (Majstangen).
The festival will also feature a children's area with crafts, story-telling and games, including the Viking yard game, KUBB. Andy Linder Hacky, World Champion Hacky-Sack footbag will be demonstrating his knack. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet Pippi Longstocking and mingle with residents in Swedish costumes adding to the flavor of Midsommarafton.
A new addition to the Midsummer activates is our evening program, “Midsommar Natt”. Visitors are invited to continue the celebration between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. We will be featuring a live music event with Rockford’s very own famous Swede, Miles Nielsen and his band. Prairie Street Brewhouse will be brewing a special Swedish beer for this occasion, Artale Wine Co. will be around for a fun Aquavit and Schnapps tasting, plenty of food vendors will be around for late munchies and lots of fun is promised for this special evening.