Danish Sisterhood to sponsor convention
Never mind those sweet smells coming from Bloomingdale this weekend. It's just the Danish Sisterhood of America cooking up some Havregrynskugler (Cocoa-Oat-Coconut Balls) and Dansk Wienerbrod (Danish pastries).
More than 200 members of the sisterhood are expected to attend this year's national convention from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday at Bloomingdale's Hilton Indian Lakes Resort.
Every four years, the group holds its national convention hosted by alternating lodges. This year, Chicago's 122-year-old Dagmar Lodge No. 4 is hosting the event.
Susanne Hohlen of Brainerd, Minn., coordinates vendors and exhibitors for the event. She said this year's convention is special because, unlike years past, the vendors area will be open to the public and convention attendees.
Typically, she said, a local lodge offers programs such as guest speakers, language lessons, cooking demonstrations, travel logs, civic projects and Danish craft lessons.
"Membership in the Danish Sisterhood offers an opportunity to learn more about Danish customs and traditions," Hohlen said Wednesday morning as she prepared to travel to Bloomingdale.
"The Danish Sisterhood is open to everyone, including men, women and children, who are interested in the Danish heritage."
According to the national organization's Web site, the sisterhood was organized in 1883 in Negaunee, Mich., to provide social and financial aid to fellow Danish countrymen in their new country. The original concept was to create a funeral benefit, which still exists today.
The mission of the Danish Sisterhood is to strengthen, maintain and preserve the Danish heritage and traditions for future generations.
Hohlen said today's Danish Sisterhood has a total of 52 lodges with approximately 2,000 members throughout the United States and Canada.
If you go
What: Danish Sisterhood of America's National Convention hosted by Chicago's Dagmar Lodge No. 4.
Where: Hilton Indian Lakes Resort
When: Vendors and exhibits are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday in Cyprus Room 1
Cost: Free to visit vendors and exhibits