Cultural Events and Activities

2019 Event Calendar

March

Trip to Seattle's Nordic Museum - March 14

Scandia Lodge has organized a bus trip to the Nordic Museum in Seattle. Bus leaves Portland at 8:00am, arriving in Seattle at 11:00am. It leaves Seattle at 6:00pm and arrives in Portland at 9:00pm. Cost is $30 for the bus and $13 (Sr.) admission to the Museum. Reservations must be made by Feb. 21st. Call Wayne at 503-998-0307 for more info. New Sweden and the other League organizations are invited.

Cooking Class - Swedish Sausages - March 23 - 10:00am - 1:00pm

Join us as we explore traditional Swedish recipes in our New Sweden cooking classes.
Register at 503-663-2772, or kristigus@aol.com. Both spring classes are at the home of Gun Marie and Leif Rosqvist, Portland.

We'll create Swedish potato sausage and another sausage to be determined. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a lunch of our sausage and students will take home samples of our work. Cost is $20, class size is 8.

April

Cooking Class - Swedish Smorgastorta - April 13 - 10:00am - 1:00pm

Join us as we explore traditional Swedish recipes in our New Sweden cooking classes.
Register at 503-663-2772, or kristigus@aol.com. Both spring classes are at the home of Gun Marie and Leif Rosqvist, Portland.

A popular favorite of Swedes at special occasions, smorgastorta is festive and the layered "sandwich" tastes delicious- flavors and tastes can be adapted to one's preference. After we make the smorgastorta, we'll lunch on our creations. Cost is $15, class size is 8.

Valborsmässoafton (Walpurgis night) - April 28, 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Welcome spring with our traditional Swedish Walpurgis

Surviving a long, cold, dark winter, the people of Sweden had much cause to celebrate with the coming of spring. On April 30th, the tradition of Walpurgis is celebrated with a bonfire to chase away winter, and sing songs of spring.

This year, New Sweden will partner with the Finlandia Foundation and Nordic Northwest to celebrate Walpurgis and the Finnish Vappu, on Sunday, April 28th, 3:00-6:00pm, at the fire pit at Fogelbo, 8470 SW Oleson Rd. Hot dogs and side dishes will be provided and beer and wine available for purchase. The Scandinavian Chorus will perform and lawn games will be available.

Free and open to the public. All ages welcome. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Contact Kristi at 503-663-2772 for more info.

June

Midsummer Festival, June 8 - 11:00am - 6:00pm

Swedish Midsommer, Portland's Oaks Park, hosted by the League of Swedish Societies and Nordic Northwest. Celebrate the foods and dress of the Nordic countries, music, entertainment, and raising of the Midsommer pole.

August

Kraftskiva Party

It is with sadness and also some relief, that the New Sweden board has voted to cancel the traditional Kraftskiva party at Fogelbo this year. This difficult decision was made after considering many factors such as the costs, the amount of volunteer hours the event required, and the number of members who participate. This event may return in the future but in a smaller and simpler format. In the meantime, we will be looking to replace our annual Kraftskiva with another social event and possible fundraiser.

It is my hope the energy we have previously put into producing Kraftskiva can be channeled into making Midsummer on June 8th, a great success.

Swedish Language and Culture Camp, August 19 - 24

Swedish Language and Culture Camp, children ages 7-13

For information about the Swedish Language and Culture Camp, please visit Trollbacken.org.

September

New Sweden Anniversary

This year is the 30th anniversary of New Sweden and on September 8th, we will celebrate the history and achievements of our organization. While the event is months away, we ask members to RSVP if they're likely to attend. Please help us plan by letting us know if you will probably attend.

December

Scan Fair - Dec 8 & 9

Check back for details...

Lucia Fest - Dec 14

Portland's First Presbyterian Church, 1200 SW Alder St., Portland, OR.

Check back for details...

Nordic Northwest

In conjunction with the Swedish Roots in Oregon exhibit, on Friday, April 19th, 7:00pm, NNW is showing the 2016 Swedish film, "Sami Blood" , the story of a 14 year old Sami girl facing racism in the 1930's, and how it affects her ties to family and culture. NNW is also offering several short classes including a beginning genealogy class April 24th, and a wheat weaving class May 11th. On May 23rd, 7:00pm, at Nordia House, Les Swanson will give a lecture and show the historical film, Swedish Oregon, 1850-1950. You can find more info, including the costs of the events, at nordicnorthwest.org, under "Calendar".