Enjoying the Midsommer moments

On Saturday, members of Scandinavian Park Inc., were content to show off their new Heritage Walkway, a place to relax and enjoy the scenic and serene setting at the 25-acre Vasa Park in South Elgin.

But for next year's annual Midsommar Festival, the walkway and surrounding garden is expected to give back a little more.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to pick the flowers from the garden to make our headbands," said Caroline Christensen, the festival's chairwoman.

Christensen said the festival's aim was to highlight and celebrate the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

"We forget about these things several generations down the line," she said.

The festival focused more on music, crafts, floral designs, authentic foods and history.

A large bonfire was to cap off the night.

"Midsommar is one of the biggest events in Scandinavia because of the summer solstice," said Carol Hoidahl, who showed children how to do rose painting, a Norwegian art form. "We've been trying to keep these traditions going in Vasa Park."

Peggy Dow, owner of the Park Ridge-based Scandinavian Cuties, was the lone vendor at the site with ornaments, dolls and decorative plates.

"People want their children to know their culture, where they came from," Dow said.

The group's next events are a steak fry and crayfish sampling on Aug. 8 and their 30th annual Scandinavian Day Festival on Sept. 13.

For more information about these dates or how to join Scandinavian Park Inc, call (847) 695-6720, visit vasaparkil.com or email vasaparkil@yahoo.com.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Photo Galleries</h2> <ul class="gallery"> <li><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/galleries/festivals/?id=303364">Midsommar festival </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>