Summer Lovin’

The longest day of the year may have passed a week ago, but that’s no reason to pass up a celebration. Estes Park’s Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is a traditional festival of light, flowers, food and music; the history of this tradition dates back to pre-Christianity, when people gathered midsummer plants...

By Amber Taufen

June 26, 2008

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The longest day of the year may have passed a week ago, but that’s no reason to pass up a celebration. Estes Park’s Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is a traditional festival of light, flowers, food and music; the history of this tradition dates back to pre-Christianity, when people gathered midsummer plants for their miraculous healing powers and lit bonfires to protect against evil spirits that would return with the lengthening nights. Midsummer is still considered one of the greatest festivals of the year in Sweden and Finland.

Head to Estes Park today for a church service, traditional dancing, a raffle drawing and more; check out the midsummer Maypole that was raised and danced around yesterday, enjoy the Scandinavian food and crafts, and celebrate summer in all its glory. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and is free and open to the public; visit www.estesmidsummer.com for more information.
June 28-29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2008

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Amber Taufen has been writing about people, places and things in Denver since 2005. She works as an editor, writer, and production and process guru out of her home office in the foothills.

Contact: Amber Taufen

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