This Friday, September 14th starts Solvang's, "76th Annual Danish Days " and continues through the weekend. This year the theme is “Tak for Mad – Velbekomme! (Thanks for Food – You’re Welcome!).
Click HERE for the 2012 brochure for Danish Days
The three-day event honors the establishment of Solvang by Danish-Americans in 1911 and helps preserve Solvang’s authentic Danish heritage. Admission is free and thousands of residents and visitors enjoy the celebration each year.
Visitors enjoy the celebration as Danish and USA flags line the streets, residents and visitors don colorful costumes, and there is food, folk dancing and entertainment throughout the weekend.
Click HERE for the 2012 brochure for Danish Days
The three-day event honors the establishment of Solvang by Danish-Americans in 1911 and helps preserve Solvang’s authentic Danish heritage. Admission is free and thousands of residents and visitors enjoy the celebration each year.
Visitors enjoy the celebration as Danish and USA flags line the streets, residents and visitors don colorful costumes, and there is food, folk dancing and entertainment throughout the weekend.
Returning favorite activities include enjoying the authentic restaurants and bakeries featuring tasty Danish cuisine, including aebleskiver (Danish pastry balls) and medisterpølse (Danish sausage). A Danish-style Beer Garden serving Carlsberg and local brews plus selected Danish open-faced sandwiches.
The Ravens of Odin, a professional Viking re-enactment group creates an authentic encampment in Solvang Park. There are large-scale wood-carving demonstrations, Randel McGee’s Hans Christian Andersen story-telling sessions and a Kids’ Korner featuring LEGOS in Solvang Park to delight the youngsters.
2012 SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS (please check solvangdanishdays.org/schedule-of-events for more updates)
The Ravens of Odin, a professional Viking re-enactment group creates an authentic encampment in Solvang Park. There are large-scale wood-carving demonstrations, Randel McGee’s Hans Christian Andersen story-telling sessions and a Kids’ Korner featuring LEGOS in Solvang Park to delight the youngsters.
2012 SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS (please check solvangdanishdays.org/schedule-of-events for more updates)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012
- 4:00 pm: Free Concert featuring Sonny Semler in Solvang Park Gazebo, Mission Drive at First Street, downtown.
- 7:30 pm: Torchlight Parade (free, all welcome, candles provided) beginning on Alisal Road at Laurel Avenue; strolling south down Alisal and ending at Solvang Park.
- 8:00pm: Opening Ceremonies in Solvang Park introducing 2012 Danish Maid Mia Nelson, a 16-year-old senior at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. Born and raised in Solvang, her parents are Conny Nelson and the late Steve Nelson. Velkommen Street Dance follows with Danish dancers performing to live music.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012
- 10:00am – 4:00pm: Kid’s Korner featuring LEGOS and the Play & Rest Center in Solvang Park.
- 10:00am – 4:00pm: Living History Festival at Elverhoj Museum of History & Art. Demonstrations and interactive activities for all ages. Free. 1624 Elverhoy Way, 805-686-1211 or www.elverhoj.org.
- 11:30am: Free Aebleskiver Eating Contest (corner of Copenhagen Drive & First Street). All ages welcome to attempt to eat the most aebleskiver in 5 minutes!
- 2:30pm: Danish Days Parade includes the Solvang Village Band atop the Carlsberg Beer Wagon, floats, equestrians, Village Dancers & more. (Line up starts at 1:30pm on First Street between Molle Way and Elverhoy; For the parade route click here. There is NO CHARGE to participate in the parade; To download the application click here.
- 6:00-11:00pm: Danish Days Dinner Dance sponsored by the Rebild National Park Society at Solvang Veterans Hall, 1745 Mission Drive. Tickets are $48 per person, with advance reservations required; call Erik Pedersen at 805-688-1535 or Marie Jaeger at 805-688-5448.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012
- 10:00am – 4:00pm: Kid’s Korner featuring LEGOS and the Play & Rest Center in Solvang Park.
- 10:00am – 4:00pm: Living History Festival at Elverhoj Museum of History & Art. Demonstrations and interactive activities for all ages. Free. 1624 Elverhoy Way, 805-686-1211 or www.elverhoj.org.
- 11:30am: Free Aebleskiver Eating Contest (corner of Copenhagen Drive & First Street). All ages welcome to attempt to eat the most aebleskiver in 5 minutes!
- 2:00pm: Children’s Parade starting at Atterdag Square (corner of Atterdag Road and Copenhagen Drive) meanders down Copenhagen to Solvang Park. (All children and families are welcome to join this charming event, no charge, costumes encouraged.)
2:30pm: Danish Days Closing Ceremonies in Solvang Park.
For more information please check out http://solvangdanishdays.org/.
