Mark your calendars for the 18th of June to attend Swedish Historical Society’s annual Midsommar Fest in Rockford, IL. This traditional Swedish festival, which is celebrated worldwide, welcomes the arrival of the summer solstice.
The Midsummer festivities will be celebrated rain or shine on Saturday, June 18th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 10:00pm at the Erlander Home Museum grounds located at 404 S. 3rd Street, Rockford, IL. Visitors will enjoy the magic of the longest day of the year by stepping into a quaint Nordic village where they will be able to participate in dancing around the Maypole at noon with the Nordic Dancers of Chicago, enjoy Swedish folk music by Chicago Spelmanslag and Svea Sonar/Harmony Men's Chorus throughout the day. They will also be able to shop artisan goods and beautiful antique copper pieces at the “Marknad”, discover antiques and fine collectables at “Mormor’s Attic” and once again the Swedish American museum of Chicago will offer items from their store. Swedish food will be available at the Stockholm Inn pavilion as well as SHS booth and many others.
Visitors are also encouraged to enter the raffles and the fun competitions to win great prizes. Don’t miss the pancake eating contest sponsored by Stockholm Inn!
New this year is a silent auction featuring Swedish inspired birdhouses painted by local artists. The birdhouses will be scattered around the museum grounds for viewing before bidding.
The festival will also feature a children's area with crafts, face painting, story-telling and games, including the Viking yard game, KUBB. Pippi Longstocking will greet guests throughout the day, and roaming Vikings will be adding to the flavor of Midsommarafton.
“Midsommar Natt”, the evening program, will feature live music performed by Rockford’s very own famous Swede, Miles Nielsen and his band, The Rusted Hearts! Emily Hurd, Kelly Steward, Berg Holmgren and DJ Dain will also be performing.
The Prarie Street Brewhouse will be serving a menu of BBQ food, Lingonberry beer and other specialties to enhance the evening experience.
The Erlander Home Museum will be open for tours throughout the day. We are excited to showcase the new addition to the building, including a handicapped accessible restroom, updated exhibit space on the second floor and an elevator.
Midsummer Fest promises to be a fun-filled day for everyone in the family! Admission is free for the daytime events and only $10.00 for the evening concert lineup starting at 4:30 pm.