Scandinavian Day Festival by the numbers

Keeping ethnic traditions alive has grown more challenging as years have passed, according to Jack Grandin, treasurer of Vasa Park in South Elgin.

"Scandinavians assimilate better than (some) other cultures," Grandin said.

This rapid "Americanization" of the first generation, Grandin said, has led to many second- and third-generation Scandinavian-Americans losing touch with their cultural traditions.

Scandinavian Day, set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, can be a way to reconnect with history or just enjoy a relaxed day near the river complete with food, activities and entertainment.

New this year is a living history of Scandinavians in the U.S., with historical interpreters portraying early settlers. There will also be music and dance performances, free pony rides and an outdoor church service.

Vasa Park is on Route 31, seven miles south of I-90 and five miles north of Route 64; visit vasaparkil.com for details.

Here is a look at Scandinavian Day, by the numbers:

30: Number of years Scandinavian Day has taken place in Vasa Park

61: Approximate number of vendors selling everything from hand-painted plaques to trips to Iceland

$10: Most expensive food item - a tie between the Independent Order of Vikings' variety plate with fried herring and the Varblomman Children's Club's Swedish pancake meal

3: Number of menu items featuring lingonberries

5: Ethnic groups represented at the festival - Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Finnish

$10: Admission charge for adults - children 12 and under admitted free

About 3,000: Number of visitors expected, if the weather cooperates