Here we are feeling the winter weather, and the Olympics fast approach-ing, unbelievable how fast the year goes by. We had an amazingly successful year. In the summer, the Seniors Salmon Bbq had a great turnout and European festival attracted a record attendance.

The Midsummer festival figures were up in nearly all areas. The biggest hit this year was the Wife Carrying contest sponsored by Carlsberg, the prize being the wife’s weight in beer. Two of our NHS members, Marian Toft and Solvi Stokholm. convinced husbands David and Hugh to enter, they didn’t win but it was close. Norwegian volunteers were everywhere, in the Norwegian Village tent, manning the hugely successful waffle booth, helping cook up huge racks of salmon at the Bbq pit, and on duty at the Father’s Day Pancake breakfast. Once again the Midsummer Festival was chaired by Per Gjerde, past NHS president. Per has been overseeing the festival for the last 14 years and is now stepping down. Thank-you to all the fantastic NHS volunteers, and a very special thanks to Per, for years of organizing this grow-ing event. It has really put the Scandinavian Centre on the map.

The “Movie Matinee” in October was very popular with 90 people coming out to watch “Max Manus”, the story of one of Norway’s most revered resistance fighters. After the movie, the new English-language Library was opening with a wine & cheese party. Pia Christensen and Debra Jones, the volunteer librarians have done a great job. The new book-shelves made by Per Gjerde really add to the Scandinavian look of the room and there are two comfy chairs to sit in while you decide which books to borrow. Do come and check it out, there are lots of childrens’ books, reference books and lots of current fiction and non-fiction of Nordic authors in English translation. It makes me very proud to be a part of such a dedicated group and to see our members working so hard to make all the events special. Volunteering at the events is a great way to meet other members and connect with our heritage, we would love to see you.

Regards, Elizabeth

On April 18th, everyone enjoyed Queen Margrethe’s birthday celebration that was sponsored along with the Royal Danish Guard organization. It was an evening of fine entertainment from Denmark and a wonderful menu served.

We are fast approaching our Midsummer Festival where the Danish House will have a tent to display our Danish culture. This year’s festival theme is “Sunshine & Song”. I encourage everyone to come and participate in this fun and exciting weekend. You will be able to enjoy our traditional open-faced sandwiches, BBQ salmon, and so much more. This year’s raffle prize is a Cruise for Two. Please see one of the board members or visit the Danish tent to help support the selling of the tickets.

On July 4th, we will be hosting the “FlikFlak Circus” in the beer garden area. This is a Danish circus that is great family fun. It will start at 1pm, and you will be able to buy polse and potato salad, cotton candy and beverages.

On August 23, the Danish house is hosting the Family BBQ. The cost is $22 and you will have a choice between salmon or steak. This is a very nice family event for all to participate in.

Our very popular KroAften will continue through the summer. This is a great even and I want to thank both Carol and Ebba for a great job.

See you soon at the Centre!

Peter Praegel