May 2nd: First Annual Nordic Faire

Nordic Faire

Nordik Folk and Nordikids held the First Annual Nordic Faire day-long event on Saturday, May 2nd at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster, IN.  The faire, which celebrated the Scandinavian cultures of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland got off to a grand start with the music of John Seest (organist) and Marcus Felde (fiddler) of Scandilocity from Indianapolis, IN.  They were followed by Dans Norden a Scandinavian Folk Dancing Group also from Indianapolis, IN who performed folk dances from many of the Nordic countries.  They got the audience up and dansing!  Dans Norden members are:  Bill Burrell, Marcus Felde, Holly Hendrickson, Joella and Edward Hultgren, Annette Johansson, John Seest, Sylvia Sweanson, Robert Turnquist, and Eija Vesterqvist.

Our Nordikids performed a selection of songs including old favorites, Pippi Longstocking songs and even a couple of ABBA songs.  They ended their performance with folk dances and the ever popular OxDans.

Information Booths: Danish Brotherhood of Illinois; the Sons of Norway from both Montgomery, Illinois and Chesterton, Indiana; The Independent Order of Vikings from Illinois; and of course our own Vasa Order of America Lodges Nordik Folk No. 761, Siljan-Mora-Tuna No. 134, Bessemer No. 203 and Svea No. 253:  All who had members represented at the faire.

Demonstrations: Linda Tylk demonstrated Swedish Weaving/Hardanger stitching while Barb Johnson showed some hand-knitted items and some items from Julhus Scandinavian Shop, and Shelly Westlund made Finnish stars and Danish hearts.  Nan Crofoot demonstrated naalbinding; and Lynn Sove Maxson displayed and demonstrated her rosemaling.  The son's of Norway demonstrated wood carving, and author Ken Schoon displayed his book "Dreams of Duneland" which includes information about Chellberg Farm and Scandinavians in the region. 

Viking artifacts: The Pearson Family also shared their Viking Hoard of artifacts and replicas. Herb Smith shared information on both genealogy and the Viking Lecture Series which occurs monthly at the Munster Public Library.

Things for the kids to do:The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts worked on culture badges throughout the event and children who wanted to participate worked on filling up their "passports" with stamps from each Scandinavian Country information location.  They also played the Troll Game in which they had to find 16 hidden trolls to receive prizes.  

Outdoors: Faire goers were treated to demonstrations and games of KUBB our favorite Viking game!  Tim Ogrentz guided seasoned players and newcomers alike.

FOOD:  Members of our lodge cooked and prepared a spread of Scandinavia that included Swedish Pancakes with Lingon, Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches with a choice of ham, salmon, herring and sausage, and  the ever-popular Swedish Meatballs.  Coffee was provided free to all attendees to go along with the amazing desserts baked by our amazing lodge.

VENDORS:  Phyllis Kalajian displayed and sold her Nordikreations Jewelry and Nordik Folk sold hand-made Scandinavian Trinkets, folk ornaments and many other items at their Nordik Affair.

So many thanks are due to all the Nordik Folk members who made this event possible.  A special THANKS to Lynda Smith and Phyllis Kaljian who are responsible to recruiting most of the vendors, organizing the food & Faire schedule and floor plan.  Thank you to all the organizations,  artisans, and performers who took a chance on a first-time event and came out to help us celebrate all things Nordic!