Try food, traditions at Scandinavian Day Festival

Maria Mannisto, Finlandia Foundation Performer of the Year 2007, headlines the entertainment line-up at the 28th annual Scandinavian Day Festival on Sept. 9 at Vasa Park, off Route 31 in South Elgin.

The festival, presented by the Scandinavian Day Festival Committee, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It celebrates the 2007 theme "A Day For The Family -- Scandinavian Style."

Enjoy a late summer day with traditional Scandinavian food, crafts, games, gifts and entertainment celebrating the five Nordic cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Mannisto, from Bellevue, Wash., is considered one of the finest young sopranos in the Pacific Northwest with versatility in different styles ranging from medieval chants to jazz to rock 'n' roll.

Scandinavian Day 2007 will also feature The Nordic Folk Dancers of Chicago, led by Linda and Paul Muhr, Ole and Sven with their humorous Scandinavian music from Madison, Wis., The Chicago Nordic Choir, a dynamic group of young women singing Scandinavian music, The Finn Ladies Kantele Players and more.

This year, free pony rides and the Viking encampment will return by popular demand. The public is invited to the church service from 10 to 10:30 a.m., led by the Rev. David Langseth accompanied by organist David Nordin in the pavilion.

There is free parking. Admission costs $10, free for children age 12 and younger.

To gain free entry, wear your traditional Scandinavian dress and share your knowledge of Scandinavian costumes, culture and traditions for a few minutes in the comfort of the park's VIP/Culture tent.

There will be tables, chairs and refreshments available for those who share their heritage with festival visitors. Sign up with the gate staff upon entry. Scandinavian Day is held rain or shine.

For more information, call (847) 695-6720 or visit online at www.vasaparkil.com.