VELKOMMEN
Celebrate Danish Days in Solvang, California MIA ANDERSEN 2015 DANISH MAID
S E P T E M B E R 18 20, 2015 ENTERTAINMENT DANISH HERITAGE & CULTURE FOOD FUN Danish Days 2015 Cover.indd 1
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Danish Food
See our fine selection of Danish and Scandinavian foods, including imported cheeses, liquor, wine and our delicious homemade Danish sausage. Nielsenʼs Market had its beginning in 1911, the year Solvang was founded. With our heritage so deeply rooted in our communityʼs history, we are proud to be a part of this great Solvang Danish Days Celebration.
Nielsenʼs Market
608 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang, Ca 93463 • 805-688-3236 • www.nielsensmarket.com
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
elcome to Solvang and the 2015 Danish Days Celebration, sponsored by the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. This year’s celebration takes place from September 18 to 20, 2015. We welcome visitors from around the world to join our celebration. Danish Days weekend is an open invitation for guests and locals to celebrate the history of our beautiful town, enjoy Danish-style hospitality, and recognize our strong ties to our Danish culture. Originally, the Danish Days celebration was a simple, small town affair. There were few, if any, visitors. It wasn’t even known as Danish Days. It was simply a home-inspired fete designed to remind Solvang residents of their ties with the “Old Country.” Solvang celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1936 and out of those festivities came what is now known as Danish Days.
Velkommen to Danish Days!
Through the years Danish Days has seen many changes. What has not changed is the pride in Solvang’s Danish heritage and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Thousands of visitors, many returning year after year, come to enjoy the festival. Danish and American flags line the streets, residents don their colorful costumes, and dancing, singing, and entertainment are plentiful throughout the town. Even if you are not Danish, you’ll have a great time being a “Dane for a Day” here in Solvang. Solvang was settled by a group of Danish educators in 1911 on 9,000 acres of a former Spanish land grant. The name of the town is a Danish word meaning “sunny field.” To the small group of Danish settlers, refugees from Midwestern winters, the area looked like heaven. They immediately went to work building the town and a Danish folk school. Atterdag College is gone, but its spirit still lives in the town. When The Saturday Evening Post featured Solvang in a 1946 article, tourists came, attracted by the setting, the customs, and the idyllic life. Shops, galleries, restaurants, and hotels soon grew, each reflecting the area’s Danish architectural heritage. Solvang evolved into the jewel it is today: a charming town with roots planted firmly in Danish tradition. A visit to Solvang is to enter the Danish Capital of America. Old World architectural styles blend with flower-lined streets in our walkable village. Storks peek down from thatch, copper, and tile roofs. Delightful shops offer imported European wares: porcelain collectibles, linens, wrought iron, ceramics, and every form of handicraft. The aromas of chocolate, baked goods, coffee, and beer-garden fare scent the streets. Although Solvang has developed into a major tourist mecca, its many Danish-American residents continue to perpetuate their Danish heritage. Danish and Danish-American fraternal and social organizations are active in Solvang, including Danish Brotherhood and Sisterhood Lodges, Dania Men’s and Ladies’ Lodges, and a Solvang chapter of the Rebild National Park Society. Other ties with Denmark are also evident. Some locals are members of the Royal Order of Dannebrog, awarded in recognition of their contributions towards strengthening the bonds between the United States and Denmark. In addition, Solvang and Aalborg in Denmark are sister cities. To learn more about the history of Solvang, visit the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, where displays of how early settlers lived can provide you with fascinating facts about early Solvang. You can also check out the Visitors Center on Copenhagen Drive to pick up information about Solvang, and the new Centennial Plaza on Alisal Road, a shade structure with benches and display kiosks of historical and centennial information. We hope you enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Danish Days as Solvang takes to the streets for our annual festival. Our well-known “Danish hospitality” invites you to enjoy all there is to see and do in our beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. We hope you have a wonderful weekend and “kom snart igen!” (come back soon) solvangdanishdays.org
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
C O N T E N T S PAGE
PAGE
1..........Velkommen (Welcome)
15........A Letter from Dave
3..........Danish Days Festival Highlights
3..........Danish Days Parade Application
16........The History of Holger the Dane Holger Danske in Solvang
4..........Torchlight Parade
20........The Carlsberg Beer Wagon
5..........Artisan Marketplace
21........Danish Days Dinner Dance
5..........Win a Trip for Two to Denmark
20........A Message from Solvang’s Mayor
6..........Greetings from the Danish Maid
22........MADS TOLLING, to Entertain
8..........The Wildflowers of San Marcos Pass
9..........Mia’s Danish Heritage
“Solvang Danish Days”
24........Map of Solvang with advertiser locations
10........Æbleskiver: A Unique Danish Treat
26........Between Two Cultures
11........The Great Danes & Fresno Danish Dancers 30........Danish Sisterhood 11........Danish Days Organ Concert
32........Living History Festival at
12........Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling
46........Ravens of Odin - Vikings in Solvang
11........The Solvang Village Folk Dancers 12........Comedy Industries, Meltzer & Spang-Hanssen
Elverhøj Museum of History and Art
The Velkommen is published by the Solvang Danish Days Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, established in 1995.
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION P.O. Box 1424 • Solvang • CA 93464
Tel: (800)468-6765 • Website: solvangdanishdays.org Board members: Brenda Anderson, Hans Birkholm, Max Hanberg, Glen Jacobsen, Linda Johansen, Rick Marzullo, Rod Nielsen, Bruce Pedersen, Rose Skytt. Professional advisors: Sorenson & Associates CPAs Committee members: Ken Andersen, Donna Andersen-Ineman, Carl and Beth Birkholm, Denise Birkholm, Matt Farris, Catherine Hanson, Jaeger Family, Brenda Knudsen, Linda Marzullo, Birgitte Pedersen, Petti Pfau, Martha Nededaard.
Velkommen
SCAN THE CODE and learn more about
Danish Days
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Managing Editor: Denise Birkholm
Magazine layout and production: Dean Puccinelli Illustrations: Ed Hansen, Rick Marzullo Cover photo: Mike Mesikep
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Velkommen 2015
2 0 1 5 D A N I S H D AY S T H E M E
Skål, til vores Forældres Børn
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
79th DANISH DAYS FESTIVAL
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES: WWW.SOLVANGDANISHDAYS.ORG
SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2015
(Cheers to our Parents Children)
2015 Danish Days Festival Parade Sept. 19 at 2:30 pm
FRIDAY VIKING BEER & WINE GARDEN 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to join in the fun! Marching Bands • School Bands • Groups • Individuals Complete this form and return to: Solvang Danish Days Foundation, c/o Parade Chairperson P.O. Box 1424 • Solvang, CA 93464 form also available at: www.solvangdanishdays.org Name of entry:_______________________________
CONCERT IN THE PARK 4 p.m.
TORCHLIGHT PARADE / 7:30 p.m.
DANISH DAYS OPENING CEREMONY Velkommen Street Dance (after parade)
SATURDAY VIKING BEER & WINE GARDEN 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Contact person:______________________________
DANISH DAYS PARADE 2:30 p.m.
Full address:________________________________
DANISH DAYS DINNER DANCE SPONSORED BY THE DANISH BROTHERHOOD 5:30 p.m. No-host bar and Dinner Served 7:00 p.m. Live Music and Dancing
Phone:_____________________________________ Type of entry:________________________________ Brief description and commentary about your entry: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________
Special Thanks to the City of Solvang, the Solvang Visitors Bureau, and the Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association for their promotional support.
ROCK & ROLL LIVE MUSIC PARTY Midgaard Pavilion Stage - FREE and open to public 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY TRADITIONAL DANISH DAYS BREAKFAST 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / Serving Æbleskiver breakfast $7.00 and Æbleskiver breakfast with Medisterpølse (Danish sausage) $8.00 ÆBLESKIVER EATING CONTEST 11:30 a.m.
ARTISANS MARKETPLACE, FIRST STREET Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to Closing KIDS’ KORNER AND LEGO PLAY & REST CENTER 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. / Solvang Park
LIVING HISTORY DAYS Saturday & Sunday / 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Elverhøj Museum
SUNDAY
Member FDIC
CHILDREN’S PARADE 2:00 p.m.
Closing Ceremony to follow in the Solvang Park FREE ENTERTAINMENT BOTH DAYS
Thank you to our generous sponsors for 2015
Enjoy throughout the Village many talented entertainers, including: The Solvang Village Band on top of the Carlsberg Beer Wagon, the Solvang Village Folk Dancers, the Great Danes, the Fresno Danish Dancers, Scott Meltzer and Katrina Spang-Hanssen/Comedy Industries, Wood Carver George Kenny, Ravens of Odin, Viking Encampment and Randel McGee as Hans Christian Andersen.
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Torchlight Parade on Friday the 19th The Torchlight Parade kicks off the Danish Days celebration on Friday night. Public is welcome. Join in and capture the spirit of Danish Days.
BE A PART OF DANISH DAYS by participating in Solvang’s annual Torchlight Parade. The parade begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening and takes the following route: begins on Alisal Road at Laurel Street, travels down Alisal, across Mission Drive to Copenhagen Drive, right on First Street to Parking Lot #2. There will be a bus shuttling people from Solvang Park to the start of the parade; greeters will be available at the park to direct those interested in participating in this event. The public (all ages) is welcome.
Solvang Fun Fact
Following the parade, food items and beer will be available. Opening ceremonies will occur, and the Solvang Street Dancers will be entertaining us all at the Midgaard Pavilion (Copenhagen Drive/ Parking Lot 2, next to Solvang Park).
August 25, 1913: Santa Ynez Valley Bank opens on Main Street (Copenhagen Drive) with capital of $25,000 Solvang Vikings’ parade boat in the Torchlight Parade
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO DENMARK Each year a round-trip ticket for two to Denmark is sponsored by the Danish Days Foundation. Included in this Grand Prize is a $1,000 cash award. Proceeds of the sales support the Danish Days Festival. Many local businesses throughout Solvang offer the tickets for sale in their stores for $1.00 per ticket. You may also buy tickets by mail; write the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. Tickets will be on sale until the drawing date in October. “Mange tak!”
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Artisans Share Skills at Danish Days
anish Days is once again featuring the Old World Artisans Marketplace as part of the annual festival. The Artisan Marketplace will feature works created by demonstrators and skilled craftspeople. The First Street “Artisans Marketplace” is a festive celebration of handcrafts and skills.
The Solvang Danish Days Foundation’s goal is to promote authentic old-world Arts and Crafts. Our goal is to introduce and demonstrate traditional Scandinavian arts to the general public and at the same time to provide a venue for those artisans to sell their work. Some of these artisans create traditional forms of their chosen discipline, while others have a more Scandinavian-modern approach to a traditional handcraft. Some of the items shown in the Old World Artisans Marketplace in past years include: • Danish Sisterhood - handmade items and delicacies created by members • Wood Turners (Trædrejer) - Mike Magrill, Chris Hansen, SYV Woodturners • Master Papercutter (Papirklip) - Rick Marzullo, who cuts intricate designs out of paper with his scissors • Viking Age carving (Vikingetiden udskæring) and other demonstrations - Earl Jepson • Pottery (Pottemager) - Petti Pfau with her rich-toned ceramics • Fine Arts and Crafts from the Baltic Region - Alfreds Stinklus of Baltic Crossroads • Scandinavian Decorative Painting (Rosemaling, Dalamalning, Almuemaling) and more - Solvang Husflid • Ceramic clay art and finely detailed jewelry (Keramisk kunst og Smykker) with Norwegian flair - The Sisters, Mette & Sissel • Beautiful jewelry (Smykker) - Sylvie Terrel • Unique apparel along with some fun items (Tekstil kunst) - Cari Summers • Handmade Chip Carved furniture (Udskårne møbler)- Robert Laufer of Wild Hare Woodworks • Uniquely carved designs with wildflowers and more (Træskærer) – Darrell Janssen Artisans who specialize in traditional Scandinavian style wares are encouraged to consider demonstrating or selling at Danish Days. The Husflid/Handcrafts area will also consider unique items for consignment. For more information and guidelines for artisans, please contact SDDF Board member Rick Marzullo at vikingpressprint@verizon.net or contact Rick Marzullo, SDDF Artisans Marketplace, PO Box 612, Solvang, CA 93464-0612. solvangdanishdays.org
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
2015 DANISH DAYS MAID
Mia Andersen
Velkommen til Solvang and Danish Days 2015!
S
eventeen years have passed since celebrating my first Danish Days and each year I have looked forward to Danish Days weekend. As a child, I especially loved seeing the Danish dancers in the streets, the endless amounts of æbleskivers, the parades and the Danish Maid. I admired the Danish Maids and marveled on their beautiful dresses. I appreciated the role they played in the Danish Days festivities and hoped to grow up following in their footsteps. Hi, my name is Mia Andersen and I am excited to serve as the 2015 Danish Maid. Ever since my first Danish Days, at nine months old, the dresses I have worn have been handed down to me from my Mor Mor (my grandmother) or my Tante Donna (my Aunt). I have worn several of the dresses my Tante Donna wore when she was a child and my Mor Mor has also made me dresses between years. She adjusted the dresses to fit my older sister and I as we grew. Growing a little taller before the next Danish Days was always exciting because of the possibility of getting to wear a different dress with a different story behind it. This year, my dress was custom-made by Roberta Skidmore, who designed my dress from the region of Denmark where my ancestors originated. My great grandparents, John and Thora Roth, came from the small town of Bylderup, near Tønder in Sønderjylland, Denmark. The ribbons that hang from my hat and that are stitched along the bottom of my dress are colors that would accent dresses from this region of Denmark in the late 1800’s. My great-great grandmother Thora Roth crocheted the lace that accents my hat, sleeves, and apron. My blue apron was originally a table cloth, made by great-great grandmother on my Bedstefar’s (my grandfather’s) side, Marta Schmidt Andersen. My Bedstefar’s parents (Grandpa and Grandma “Gi Gi”), would visit Denmark and always return with a gift for my Mor Mor
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and Bedstefar. They brought this table cloth home after a visit but the tables in Denmark were much smaller than the ones in the United States, so my Mor Mor stored it away, which is why it is in such good condition. Roberta Skidmore altered it into an apron for my dress, making the dress even more special to me. I am a 5th generation Santa Ynez Valley resident. My great-great grandparents bought a ranch in this valley in 1910 and relocated their family. Their daughter, Anna Roth, married a local builder from Denmark named Christen Valdemar Nielsen. He was known as “C.V.” and he opened Nielsen Building Materials in Solvang in 1932. Today, the business is successfully managed by his grandson and my dad, Ken Andersen. Both of my great-grandfathers emigrated from Denmark. Christen Valdemar Nielsen in 1914 and Christian Schmidt Andersen in 1928. Both men came to Solvang to work hard for a better life and to live among fellow Danes. I live in Los Olivos with my parents, Ken and Allie Andersen, and my three siblings. Emma is a sophomore at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Owen is sophomore at Santa Ynez High School, and Nolan is in the 6th grade
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Velkommen 2015 at Dunn Middle School. My paternal grandparents, Andrew and Thora Mae Andersen live in Solvang and my maternal grandparents, Chuck and Shelia Bosselmann live in Lompoc. It is special for me to have all of my grandparents living close to me. I am a senior at the Santa Ynez High School. Soon, I will be an alum of the same school as my dad and my Mor Mor. I have enjoyed playing on the volleyball team, and this will be my fourth year on the varsity soccer team. I am involved in Youth and Government and Pirates with Hearts (a school club that volunteers at The Friendship House). This is my 8th year in
Aunt Donna Andersen-Ineman, Donna’s son Russell (4) Donna’s son Brett (8), Emma (2) Mia (8 months) Ken Andersen
Lucky Clover 4-H. 4-H has taught me valuable lessons in responsibility, service, and leadership. Last year I was chosen to represent the county in a fundraising drive for new barns at the Santa Barbara County Fair. Since I was young, I have enjoyed Danish Days as much, if not more, than any holiday. I loved playing and watching the entertainers in the park. The older I grew, the transition from playing the games to running the booths seemed natural. Watching the little kids have so much fun in the park reminds me of all the fun I had with my sister and brothers. When you are old enough to join the volunteer ranks of æbleskiver production, you have made it to the next level. Now I interact with tourist
Owen, Emma, Nolan, Mia - siblings ages 4, 8, 1 and 6
and friends while cooking æbleskivers. I can’t believe we cook over 3,000 breakfasts in two days. My favorite Danish Days memories are the parades. I have been in every main parade, torchlight parade, and children’s parade since I was 9 months old. Each year my family builds a float that comes alive. It has become our tradition to create something bigger, taller, louder, fancier, and crazier than the year before. My dad and his friend Matt spend many hours building the structure and figuring out how they can push the limits. It is fun to watch them in action, because you never know what is going to happen, or what might break at the start of the parade (ha ha). My Tante Donna, my Mor Mor, and my mom are in charge of the decorations and artwork. My Mor Mor usually comes up with some crazy costumes for us as well. We have been chickens, disco girls, Vikings, bakers; you name it. From sliding out of a wooden clog, to jumping on Mia age 3 with lolly pop a giant wine barrel, to being soaked by a tipping bottle, we have had a lot of fun. My Danish Days memories are a big part of my childhood and I always look forward to creating more fun memories. I want to thank my family for emphasizing the importance of our heritage and for always supporting Danish Days. I thank them for showing me, at a very young age, that being involved and working to make something special is always worth the effort. Danish Days is a celebration of my heritage and it brings together our entire community. I want to thank the volunteers for making Danish Days happen year after year. It is truly an incredible event. I want to invite visitors to Solvang to tap into their inner Dane… whether you are Danish or not… and create memories this Danish Days weekend. I am honored to be selected this year’s Danish Maid. Mange, Mange Tak.
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
THE WILD FLOWERS OF SAN MARCOS PASS
by Bob Raleigh
A common sight while driving San Marcos pass (Highway 154) in early spring.
Papirklip by Master Papercutter
Rick James Marzullo Velkommen til vort dejlige by! Hand-Cut Paper Art Scandinavian Design Décor & More
Solvang Papirklip / Rick James Marzullo P.O. Box 612 ♦ Solvang, CA 93464 ♦ 805-688-3059 vikingpressprint@verizon.net AVAILABLE THROUGH DIRECT ORDER AND AT: ELVERHØJ MUSEUM, Solvang, CA DANISH IMMIGRANT MUSEUM, Elkhorn, IA ARTISANS MARKETPLACE, DANISH DAYS WEEKEND (third weekend in September annually)
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Why are all those wildflowers along San Marcos Pass? Maybe you haven’t noticed as you work your way to Santa Barbara, or even better, return from SB that there is a variety of wildflowers sprouting from many highway cuts along the road. Years ago, when Solvang belonged to the county and we had the Solvang Improvement District as the local government, we also had the Solvang Business Association. The SBA, once called the Solvang Business Men’s association, had monthly dinner meetings and obviously discussed the business matters of our community. The parades and Danish Days, keeping the streets and sidewalks clean and matters like that were agenda items. The San Marcos Pass highway (Hwy 154) never got into the conversation. Until Ed LeRoy said he had carried out a plan for the pass road. Ed thought it would be nice to arrange to have wildflowers sprinkled along various cuts in the road to enhance the experience of coming to Solvang for us as well as out visitors. So it came to pass, pardon the expression, that the seeds were dispersed and behold beautiful flowers appeared and continue to appear every year since Ed had the idea. The catch for Ed was the bill for this little venture was over $1000, and as they say today, “That was a lot of money then!” Ed didn’t have a thousand bucks handy at the time and mentioned that this was a problem. Enter the Solvang Business Association that as a group decided to hold a fundraiser to retire the bill. We did, holding fourth at Pea Soup Andersen’s for a gala dinner and raffle. Of course there was one big prize for the drawing that raised the money to pay the bill and Ed’s family, in the gift shop business with Ed, donated the big door prize. All were surprised when Ed and his family seated at one of the tables, won the prize! They graciously re-donated the prize back to the raffle and somebody else totted it off. Bottom line, it is Ed LeRoy we thank for enhancing the beauty of a trip over the mountain for all the years after planting and as you can see, to this day
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Velkommen 2015
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Mia’s Danish Heritage
t’s all relative, at least in the case of this year’s Danish Days Maid Mia Andersen. She’s the third member of her immediate family to be chosen as the official ambassador of Solvang’s annual celebration following in the footsteps of her older sister Emma (2013) and Aunt Donna Andersen-Ineman (1981). Her Danish roots run deep, she is a fifth generation Santa Ynez Valley resident, Mia’s great-great grandparents John and Thora Roth were early Solvang settlers. As have many of Solvang’s Danish families, Mia’s family kept their traditions alive and those customs are the roots of the town’s annual celebration. And what keeps family traditions on-going more than food and time-honored customs. While Solvang’s publicly honors its Danish roots each September many of its residents keep their favorite Danish recipes at the forefront of family meals and gatherings and here are a few of Mia’s favorites. Mor Mor, Mia’s paternal grandmother Thora Mae (Nielsen) Andersen shared her famous frikadeller (Danish meatballs) recipe and it’s a winner. Not to be confused with somewhat sweeter Swedish meatballs, this Danish version is often served with potatoes, a savory gravy and agurkesalat (cucumber salad). MOR MOR’S FRIKADELLER 1-1/2 pounds good quality ground beef 1/2 pound ground pork 1 onion (grated) 2 eggs 3 to 4 slices of white break (softened in milk) 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1-1/2 teaspoons salt oil for frying Mix all ingredients well. Shape into meatballs and fry in a lightly oiled pan until brown. Transfer meatballs (and a small amount of the pan drippings) to a baking pan, place in a 350 degree oven and bake for one hour.
by Elaine Revelle
Easy to make, agurkesalat is equally good served on pumpernickel bread with cheese or leftover frikadeller. AGURKESALAT (cucumber salad) 3 English cucumbers 1 cup vinegar 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 1/2 onion thinly sliced small amount pepper Finely slice cucumbers (very thin). Mix all ingredients together. Can be eaten immediately but it tastes better if chilled for at least two hours before serving. Another favorite is Mia’s paternal great-grandmother Nathalie Andersen’s take on Danish coffee Cake. NATALIE’S SPEEDY DANISH COFFEE CAKE 1 package dry yeast 1/4 cup water 2 cups sifted all purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter 1 beaten egg 1 tablespoon vanilla Dissolve yeast in water and set aside. Sift sugar, salt and flour together. Add butter and cut into flour. Combine yeast mixture with egg and vanilla, add flour and mix well. Place dough on lightly floured board and roll into a 10 by 14 inch rectangle. Place into an 11 by 7 by two inch pan and allow dough to hang over sides. Cover lightly with cloth and make below filling. FILLING 2/3 cup cooked prunes 2/3 cup cooked apricots 1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple 1/2 cup sugar 1-1/2 tablespoon minute tapioca additional sugar for sprinkling Mix fruits with sugar and tapioca, place on dough and fold sides over tops. Sprinkle with sugar and bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes then reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. NOTE: this is a stiff dough and will be hard to roll. Just use your muscles and summon your inner Dane, this is well worth the effort. This is a perfect recipe for experimenting. Substitute your family’s favorite fruits, using fresh when in season, frozen or canned when not. Just keep the quantities as above and develop your own sweet treat.
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Velkommen 2015
Æbleskiver: A Unique Danish Treat
7 8 SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MORNING DURING DANISH DAYS
Breakfast during Danish Days is served Saturday and Sunday downtown.
Served with juice or milk, coffee and Danish sausage on Copenhagen Drive in the center of Solvang
ÆBleskiver are easy to make, try this reCiPe: 1 cup flour • 1/4 tsp. salt • 1 cup milk 2 eggs, separated • 2 tsp. baking powder Separate eggs and beat the whites stiff. Sift dry ingredients. Add egg yolks and milk to dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold in egg whites. Put about one teaspoon shortening into the bottom of each æbleskiver pan hole and heat. Fill holes completely with batter and as soon as they get bubbly around the edge, turn quickly. A knitting needle or fork may be used for turning. Continue cooking, turning the balls to keep from burning. The fork or needle will come out clean from the center when done. Serve hot with syrup, jam, or sugar. Makes 18.
Legend has it that Danish men originated æbleskiver in Viking days. Today they take part making æbleskiver during Danish Days.
Don’t miss the æbleskiver eating contest at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday Page 10
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
The Great Danes & Fresno Danish Dancers
The Great Danes and the Fresno Danish Dancers return! Joining the festivities again this year will be the Fresno Great Danes and the Fresno Danish Dancers. Both groups have been coming each year to play Danish music and dance the weekend away for the past 34 years. The Fresno Great Danes group was started in 1980 by director Hazel Larsen who invited Band Leader, Lennart Kullberg from Sweden, to coordinate the group. Besides Danish Days, they perform at many festivals and concerts including the Oktoberfest Celebration and private functions. In addition to playing musical instruments, the four The Great Danes musicians also join in the dancing during the festival. The Fresno Danish Dancers were originally taught by Wilma Andersen who is 91 years “young” and still dancing. Now they are directed and taught Scandinavian and ethnic dancing by Steen Skjellerup from Denmark. They meet weekly to practice and have fun dancing. The Great Danes and the Fresno Danish Dancers joined forces in 1980 and have been wonderful and talented members of the “DD Family” of entertainers. They will be playing their instruments and dancing throughout the weekend – Don’t miss them!
Danish Days Organ Concert Saturday, September 20 at 1 p.m.
“Bach’s Lunch: An Organic Smørgåsbord”
James Welch is a world-renowned concert organist, but don’t let that scare you. His concerts are full of fun, with something for everyone. This year’s concert on the Phelps pipe organ at Bethania Lutheran Church will feature the “lighter side” of the organ, with lively tunes from across the centuries, folk melodies, and some hits from Baroque to Broadway. You’ll go out tapping your toes, ready for the big parade on Copenhagen Drive! He will be joined on the program by his son Nicholas, a dynamite pianist and organist.
James Welch, Organist, with Nicholas Welch, Pianist
The Solvang Village Folk Dancers
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any couples who grew up in Solvang and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley, but later left the area for career reasons, return each year to participate in Danish Days. Over the years an informal group of dancers reunite every Danish Days in Solvang to dance for up to 20 hours throughout the weekend. The group eventually adopted the Solvang Village Folk Dancers name. After
the original founders, the Cretneys, moved out of California, David Heald became the dance group leader. Although David lives in Los Angeles, he returns to Solvang on weekends to teach international dance to the group throughout the year. He also conducts practices during the months prior to Danish Days, introducing new dances and refreshing older ones for performance and participation. photo by David Wilkes A website, www.svfolkdance. com, provides information about the Solvang Village Folk Dancers and their activities. Over the years, the children of many of the original participating couples joined in the dancing, and more recently, their children’s children participate. Over the years thousands of Solvang visitors have enjoyed the lively Solvang Village Folk Dancers.
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Velkommen 2015
hans Christian andersen storytellinG By
Randel McGee
randel mCGee at danish days
Watch and be amazed as a classic storyteller brings stories to vivid life. Randel McGee’s portrayal of Hans Christian Andersen gives life and personality to a familiar name. With a flair for captivating audiences of all ages, this Hans Christian Andersen adds new insight to some age-old favorites. While the audience is captivated by the story, Randel McGee’s hands are quickly at work following another one of Hans Christian Andersen's favorite pastimes, paper cutting. By the time the tale has been told, Randel McGee unfolds an amazing depiction of the story cut from a single sheet of paper with ordinary scissors. Whether it is Hans Christian Andersen’s more popular stories like The Little Mermaid or The Ugly Duckling, or some of Andersen's lesser-known stories like The Swineherd or Silly Hans, the audience will be on the edge of their seats watching and listening with great enthusiasm. It is a fun-filled time for all ages. Randel has appeared as Hans Christian Andersen at: The Flying Leap Storytelling Festival in Solvang, Talk Story Festival in Honolulu, Celebration of Light Festival in Midland, TX, the ’99 National Storytelling Conference, the Donnell Children’s Library in New York City, the Asian Congress of Storytellers in Singapore, and many more venues.
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
meltZer and sPanG-hanssen Comedy industries at danish days
Scott Meltzer and Katrine Spang-Hanssen specialize in custom-scripted presentations for trade shows, sales meetings, and training sessions. By combining their clients’ marketing and technology messaging with jokes, tricks, and audience participation, they’ve proven over and over again that people learn more when they laugh! Comedy Industries is constantly in demand for after-dinner shows and awards ceremonies, with a highly visual show that can be performed in multiple languages. They’ve headlined comedy clubs, emceed game-shows, and performed at more fairs and festivals than the world’s smallest horse and the world’s largest pig combined. We are very lucky to have Meltzer and Spang-Hanssen of Comedy Industries entertain at Danish Days. Don’t miss them!
Two shows Saturday and two shows Sunday. Don’t miss this great comedy team! Page 12
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Velkommen 2015
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
The
Book Loft 45 We feature a large selection of Danish and Scandinavian books.
Where Danish Tradition, Craft Beer and Delicious Food Come Together in the Heart of Solvang’s Historic Downtown
Hours: Main Restaurant - 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Bar/Tap Room - 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
1547 Mission Drive, Solvang 805-688-2337 805-688-BEER
mail@bookloftsolvang.com • www.bookloftsolvang.com
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handmade in solVanG
Birkholm’s
Danish Bakery
Favorite of both the visitors and “locals” Our
64th year!
Cookies, Breads, Coffee and of course our Danish Pastry 19
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B
51
460 Alisal Rd Solvang www.birkholmsbakery.com 805.688.8188Mention Ad for 10% off order
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Velkommen 2015
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Letter from Dave
by Dave Harrison
experience that will hen I was asked to take part in the annual DD introduce them to typcelebration in 1964 I had no idea that it would ical Danish celebralast for 50 consecutive years. tion. The spirit of volHaving served in the army I returned to my job at genunteering is alive and eral telephone in Lompoc. During the planing for the 1964 well when you see all DD celebration Bob Plant who owned an appliance and tv the workers and dancstore at that time was asked to provide a sound system that ers throughout town could be heard all over town. Myself and good friend Rick who come out year afJohnson got the job of stringing wires and mounting speakter year without being ers on the telephone poles that were in use at that time. Our Dave working the sound board for asked, to do their part. job also included installing microphone and speakers at the Danish Days. This spirit of giving various venues throughout Solvang. back to the town is now entering the 5th generation of volunIn the early days a chairman and vice chairman were teers who give of their time and effort to make DD a success. chosen to head the celebration, most of the older business All though my wife Vibeke and I moved from Solvang people in Solvang have served in that capacity. in 2005 to a small town in Northern California we return to In 1969 I was chosen to be chairman and along with Solvang each September. My job today is one of coordinatmy co chairman Arden Petersen invited the renowned Daning the installation of equipment that is required at the variish tenor Lauritz Melchoir to attend the celebration and to ous venues. Alas as my 50th consecutive year as being part be the grand Marshall during the parade. Melchoir was a of the Danish Days Family will come to an end. You can be portly man with pure white hair and beard complete with a sure I will return in 2015 with my wife Vibeke to take part white suit. Unfortunately many of our non Danish visitors in DD as a relaxed guest. thought it was Colonel Sanders from KFC. Thank you to all the volunteers that made my job As the festival grew during the years the introduction enjoyable. of the Danish Maid became an integral part of the celebraDave Harrison tion order to promote the event the chosen Maid would have to travel to LA to help promotional activities often appearing on local LA tv stations. During that period the Maid had to be 21 years old to take a chaperoned trip and also had to speak fluent Danish and be familiar with Solvang and Danish culture in general. Many of the Maids of that era still reside in Solvang and still take part in the DD celebration today. When the telephone poles was removed from town we no longer had access to run cable and place speakers At that Music from old Denmark time Daryl Nielsen who was a member of SMID [Solvang A concert with the duo Manne is a trip back to Denmark as it once was. Back Municipal Improvement District] proposed a permanent when girls wore dresses and men wore hats. Where you would eat open sandwich for lunch and ride the tram to work. Where summer nights were bright system to be installed and again Bob Plant hired myself and winters white... Playing as Manne, the two Danish musicians Lars and Filip's sole musical focus and Rick Johnson to install the system. You can still see is set on their favourite Danish evergreens, dating back to the 1920's and onwards. In live performance, each song is presented through a short and the speakers today, they are the small birdhouse looking humorous anecdote and then played beautifully on piano and saxophone nothing else. Simple, beautiful and genuinely Danish. buildings that are mounted on the store front today. Hans The duo Manne guarantees nostalgia, ‘hygge’ (cosiness) and fond memories in Skytt and his crew built the houses and local painters Arne an authentic journey back through the history of Danish music. Larsen and Delbert Jepsen painted the intricate design to Filip Rasmussen started in the Danish Boys' Choir when make them look like small Danish farmhouses. he was 10 years old and has been singing and playing piano ever since. Each one of us that have served as chairman has a Lars Loppnau started at the age of 8 at Tivoli-Garden, where he played drums, clarinet and saxophone, and story to tell and it was an experience that we will always has since played both solo and in various bands. remember. Lars and Filip has toured worldwide and played in Europe as well as The United States. Today the spirit of DD continues in the hands of a volunteer committee who donate untold numbers of hours Sidder på et værtshus Så længe jeg lever Den gamle skærslibers forårssang Alle sømænd er glade for piger Nu går våren gennem Nyhavn Musens sang to make sure that every visitor to Solvang will have an contact@mannemusik.dk | mannemusik.dk/us | +45 2117 9272 / +45 2811 9000
MANNE
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
The History of Holger the Dane
Holger Danske in Solvang
Solvang can now boast of it’s own full-scale Holger Danske statue at THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE.
F
by Rene Gross Kærskov
The Holger Danske statue in Denmark sits underneath the Kronborg Castle, ready to wake up.
the Dane. As the author Christiern Pedersen came or centuries, Holger Danske or Holger the from Elsinore, the heroic figure became naturally asDane as he is called in English has been an imsociated with the Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, north portant national symbol for the Danish people. of Copenhagen. The book was republished several The giant Danish Viking is sitting quietly sleeping times and was a primary source of inspiration for the with his sword in his lap and the shield by his side Danish populace’s knowledge and awareness of the ready to wake up at any time to protect his fellow bearded giant Holger the Dane. Danes. According to the legend, when the kingdom is The legend of Holger Danske did not originate threatened by a foreign enemy, the stone figure will in Denmark at all, however, but appeared for the first turn into flesh and time in Chanson de Roblood, and Holger the land, a principal work in A new legend says that the statue of Dane will rise to demedieval French literahis country. The ture. Holger the Dane apHolger Danske in Solvang will help to fend legend of this heroic pears in the work as one protect the “Danishness” of Solvang. mythical character of Charlemagne’s great was also a source of warriors named “Ogier inspiration for literale Danois”. Later the ture and music. Hans tale of Holger the Dane Christian Andersen, for instance, wrote the fairytale wandered northward, appearing for the first time in “Holger the Dane” in 1845. Scandinavia around 1510. A Danish version of the The fact that the legend was an important eletale was published in 1534 entitled “Kong Olger ment of the national psyche is evidenced by one of Danskes Krønike”, or The Chronicle of King Olger Page 16
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
The creation of Holger Danske out of American cedar wood by George Kenny and Dan Whited.
the most important resistance cells during the German occupation of Denmark from 1940 to 1945 which operated under the name “Holger Danske”. A bronze statue of the figure Holger the Dane, or Holger Danske, was commissioned for Hotel Marienlyst in Elsinore in 1907. The plaster figure on which the statue was based was set up in the casemates of Kronborg and gradually became much more famous than the bronze version. The statue was sculpted by Hans Pedersen-Dan. In 1985, the plaster cast had to be replaced with a concrete replica because it had been ruined by the damp climate of the casemates. Now Holger Danske has moved into Solvang. Earlier this year a full-scale statue of Holger Danske was commissioned by THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE in Solvang. They contacted the well-known at Danish Days woodworking artists George Kenny and Dan Whited to carve the large scale piece. The Danish owner of THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE on Copenhagen Drive in Solvang contacted Kenny, handed him a picture and said ”I need the
biggest piece of wood you can find to make me this Viking”. Three months later a 8 foot tall and 1,500 pound Holger Danske moved into Solvang. “I am very happy with our Holger Danske and it is great to be able to welcome him to Solvang where we already have Hans Christian Andersen and the Little Mermaid statues” says the owner of THE COPENHAGEN HOUSE. A new legend says that the statue of Holger Danske in Solvang will help to protect the “Danishness” of Solvang. Source and photos: Kronborg.dk, Thomas Raebek.
In Denamrk Holger Danske sits at Hamlet’s castle Kronborg. solvangdanishdays.org
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
VISIT THESE FINE BUSINESSES AT THE WINDMILL & ROUND TOWER
the Windmill loft • toWer PiZZa Johnson’s JeWel BoX • Windmill GlassWorks
436 Alisal, Solvang
Celebrate
LO
2446
AL
A
M
SO
L IV O S TAP
LO
O P SU I N TA D O ,
BUELLTON | LOS OLIVOS | SANTA BARBARA | SANTA MARIA | ARROYO GRANDE | WESTLAKE VILLAGE
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FigMtnBrew
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Solvang Shoe Store
~ Serving Solvang since 1965 ~
1663 Copenhagen Dr. (805) 688-4065 www.solvangshoe.com solvangdanishdays.org
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
the CarlsBerG Beer WaGon and the Solvang Village Band
The Carlsberg Beer Wagon and the Solvang Village Band is a Danish Days favorite for visitors and locals both. A part of the Danish Days celebration since the early 1960’s, it was started by Carl Birkholm and Ray Paaske.
T
he Carlsberg Beer Wagon, with the Solvang Village Band on top, has been a welcome sight throughout the village during Danish Days and other activities and parades, since the early 1960’s. About that time two local businessmen, Carl Birkholm and Ray Paaske, were acquainted with the Danish official in Los Angeles who headed the Carlsberg Beer Foundation. Through them an agreement was made for the beer wagon to be turned over to Solvang as an advertising beer wagon for the cost of insurance and maintenance. At the time, the wagon, originally an authentic delivery wagon in Denmark, was being stored at the Carlsberg facilities in Las Vegas in an outside storage area and was in need of
major repairs and restoration. An army of local volunteers began the painstaking task of renovating the wagon, donating many hours of time and materials, the result of their efforts are still evident today. For over 40 years the Carlsberg Beer Wagon has been drawn through many parades and festivals, by beautiful teams of Shire or Belgian horses with the Solvang Village Band on top. The wagon is now owned and maintained by the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. Thanks to the foresight and hard work of those who started this wagon on its long journey to Solvang, and, to those who will continue to be its “keepers” the Carlsberg Beer Wagon will delight generations to come! ww
A Message from Solvang’s Mayor
Jim Richardson Mayor of Solvang
Velkommen til Solvang and the 2015 Edition of Solvang’s Danish Days celebration. If this is your first visit we’re happy you’ve come to see first-hand Old Danish traditions and discover a bit of Denmark in Solvang. If you’ve been to Danish Days before, welcome back, you’ll not be disappointed. This year’s event is better than ever. Some of the activities we’ve planned for you include the Friday evening Torchlight Parade, the Æbleskiver Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning, Saturday afternoon’s Danish Days Parade. There’ll be an ancient Viking encampment in Solvang Park, Danish Dancers dancing in the streets over the weekend, Old World Artisans Marketplace on First Street all day Saturday and Sunday, beer garden, concerts, and much much more. Be sure to stop by the Elverhøj Museum to discover the Danish History in Solvang. This magazine will give you information on many areas of interest in Solvang. For current listings of activities during Danish Days this year, please check the website at www.SolvangDanishDays.org. We know your weekend will be full, so we encourage you to return to Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley to experience the wonders of this paradise. There are enjoyable activities most every week-end throughout the year. Jim Richardson Mayor
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FINAL VELK dance:dance velk 6/16/15 5:08 PM Page 1
Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Skal!
Dinner Dance Saturday Saturday e c n a D September19 September
Solvang Veteran’s .
Memorial Hall
5:30 to 10:00 pm Dinner begins at 5:30 followed by the dance at 7:00 pm
Dinner ‘n Dance $35 Dance only $10
th
Kick off those clogs!
For ticket information visit
nbmlumber.com
Danish LIVE s y a D M USIC
r e n Din Area 51 Dance
Come help us celebrate with a Danish-style barbeque followed by live music and dancing. All proceeds support the Danish Brotherhood
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Locals! Visitors! Everyone Welcome!
performed by
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
Two-Time Grammy Award-Winning Danish Violinist, MADS TOLLING, to Entertain “Solvang Danish Days” Crowds at Exclusive September 19 Fundraising Concert
O
n Saturday, September 19, 2015, at the pinnacle of this year’s annual Danish Days celebration the Atterdag Village of Solvang Retirement Community is presenting a special evening concert starring Danishborn, two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist, Mads Tolling to entertain Solvang Danish Days crowds. The unique event will be hosted at the Solvang Festival Theater, located in the heart of the Danish destination on California’s Central Coast. Mads will grace the theater’s outdoor stage in a concert entitled “MADS MEN”, celebrating the instrumental hits from the 1960s “MAD MEN” era. Joining him in his Mads Tolling Quartet are world-class musicians Colin Hogan, at piano; Sam Bevan on bass; and Eric Garland on drums. The program includes popular TV and movie themes and Top 10 hit recordings from the 60s, ranging from “Mission Impossible”, “The Pink Panther” and “A Time For Us” (from “Romeo & Juliet”), to “Georgia On My Mind”, “Classical Gas”, and “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”. “I am thrilled that the Atterdag Village of Solvang Auxiliary was able to secure this high-quality talent to play the Solvang Festival Theater stage, for our 2015 fund raiser. Mads’ Danish roots make the concert that much more intriguing, and it’s entirely appropriate that he will perform during Danish Days. He is very excited about playing in Solvang, and we are proud to be hosting his visit,” said Vickie Baehner, Atterdag Village of Solvang Auxiliary Board President. Mads recently and triumphantly debuted his Violin Concerto composition with The Oakland East Bay Symphony; the composition was entitled “Begejstring”, as a nod to his Danish beginnings in Copenhagen. Proclaimed as “…a cross-genre genius”, Mads won two Grammy Awards for Best Classical Crossover albums, was nominated for a third Grammy this year, and is a featured Yamaha Artist. He has appeared at many of the world’s most prestigious Jazz Festivals and performance venues, and continues to tour nationally and internationally, having performed over 1,000 concerts around the globe. Mads has been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, and his recordings have received rave reviews in Downbeat Magazine, Strings Magazine, Washington Post, and San Francisco Chronicle. He is
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a former member of both Turtle Island Quartet and Stanley Clarke’s band. Mads received Denmark’s Sankt Annæ’s Award for Musical Excellence, and has performed for Danish Royalty, Prince Frederick and Princess Mary, at the celebration for The Danish Embassy’s 50-year anniversary. The Atterdag Village of Solvang has been providing premier care for seniors and their families since 1963, and has continued to grow over the years “Mads Men” to further meet the needs of the multilevel retirement community which now offers an array of amenities, activities, and services for all of the Village residents: from independent and assisted living to skilled nursing and memory care, Atterdag Village’s welcoming family atmosphere ensures Tolling, two-time Grammy that everyone feels Mads Award-winning violinist. cared for and right at home. Executive Director Chris Parker said “This special performance will benefit the seniors throughout the Santa Ynez Valley by raising funds to build a new skilled nursing rehabilitation wing at the Atterdag Village of Solvang. Offering rehabilitation close to home is so important to seniors and their families. Please come join us for this
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
spectacular event.” Atterdag Village is currently undergoing an expansion, with construction underway for a new state-of-the-art Assisted Living complex and nine new cottages, as well a new Community Center which will house a fitness and aquatics center, and a new activity center. The community’s existing assisted living building will be converted to a Memory Care Unit, offering more options to individuals needing specialized care. Rounding out the expansion project is the new skilled nursing rehabilitation wing, which will benefit from the MADS MEN fundraising concert. The September 19 MADS MEN concert tickets start at $45.00 per person. A special “VIP” ticket package ($100.00 per person) includes: a pre-concert wine and Atterdag College cheese reception from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the private patron area; premium seating; and a post-concert meet and Solvang was a town founded by Danes for Danes. It greet session with the musicians. was the dream of three Danish immigrants, educators and Tickets for the September 19 concert may be purchased pastors from the mid-west, to begin a new colony in the on-line in advance, at www.AtterdagVillageofSolvang. west with a Danish-style folk school. True to the foundcom. Day-of-event tickets may be purchased at the Solvang ers’ plan, a folk school was built and opened in 1911. In Festival Theater (420 2nd Street, Solvang, CA 93463) from 1914, the school moved to a new home in an impressive 10 AM to Noon, and at the door beginning at 6:00 PM. The structure on a hill above Solvang and took a new name, Atconcert starts at 7:30 pm. terdag College. For years, Atterdag was the heart and soul More information about Mads Tolling and the Mads of Solvang. It was used as a folk school for young adults, Tolling Quartet is available at www.MadsTolling.com, and a community meeting hall, performing arts venue, lecture on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Mads.Tolling. Please hall, gymnastics center, summer school, church facility visit www.AtterdagVillageofSolvang.com and boarding house. ww
Solvang Fun Fact
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
Between Two Cultures
E
by John Hoj
“This street here sir, this is Alisal Road. If you follow it xcuse me,” he said. I jolted to attention as his down the hill and keep going through the first stop light van crept to a stop at the corner of the street. I you’ll be in downtown Solvang.” was riding my bike home from school and he And then it happened. It was as if the floodgates looked at me with a glimmer of frustration, his wife of my ten-year old memory came open and out came in the passenger seat folded and unfolded a map, while crashing every detail, name, description, possible his kids jumped up and down in the back seat gleefully venue, vendor, resident and restaurant that the town of screaming. It was early in the fall, and the sun was shinSolvang possessed, all flooding from my mouth like the ing hot in the afternoon sky and I straddled my bike as torrents of a raging waterfall. he added, “Is this Solvang?”. A few minutes later, when I was silent and panting, I couldn’t believe it, I had finally come into my my throat sore, I looked up to see them all staring at me own. For the first time in my life I was called upon to with mouths agape. He shook himself there in the car deliver the directional advice that all residents of small and said, “Thanks for the tip, kid.” towns are understood to administer as their birth rite “Any time!” I said as I crossed the street and to weary travelers, and for this I was unprepared and climbed aboard my trusty bike. helpless. I suppose being asked directions happens to “Oh,” he paused, “by the way, what time do the all people who live in small towns, perhaps a bit more gates close?” often to residents of Solvang, yet there I was, a skinny “Gates, sir?”. child of Danish descent who couldn’t even remember “It’s getting late, we don’t want to pay for admishis own name. sion and not have enough time to see everything.” “This,” I gestured with my arms extending wide, I shook my head and began to pedal up Alisal hill fearful my answer would be incorrect, “is Solvang.” on my way home, unable to muster any reasonable re“Where?” sponse. What did he thing this place was, Disneyland? I was crushed. Perhaps he didn’t understand me, or When you grow up, you never think of the town in my mind is the stress of the moment translated the you live in as being any different than all the others, its words into some version of the language of the New always home to you. Being Danish and growing up in Guinea Highlanders. I struggled to maintain compothe town of Solvang as well as being related to half the sure and responded, “That is it.” population and good friends with the rest, do we start “No, no.” He held up a colorful pamphlet that sparto generate the idea that the culture in which you are kled in the sun with pictures of windmills, storefront being raised in is indeed quite unique? When I think windows, and the Little Mermaid. “We want to know about my childhood, I realize that I was a product of where Solvang is!” two cultures which taught me how to live in and appreHis wife leaned forward and whispered in his ear ciate myself and my own identity. with a concerned look on her face. Perhaps she was There is no myscommenting on my intery as to why people telligence, age, or lack It is with great pleasure for me to who share similar thereof. My mind was reelwelcome you to the culture of Denmark ideas seek out places in which to live in ing, how could I possibly and the celebration that is Danish Days. common. My dad was salvage such a tenuous a Danish immigrant, diplomatic situation. Fast my mom was his Danaction was necessary or ish American sweetall would be lost. With a heart, and they came home to Solvang to raise their feeling of relief it came to me like the shock of cold children closer to friends and relatives. water. Of course, they wanted to go to Solvang! I inherited the surname Hoj, pronounced Hoy, that I turned, dropped my bike to the ground with a meaning our ‘hill’ from the kingdom of Denmark. crash, and stepped across the street to the idling van. Page 26
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Velkommen 2015
Solvang, meaning ‘sunny fields’ was named after the dry Southern California summers, and this became home to us and to many others and that is what I think of when I remember my childhood. I always felt that I had an advantage over others because I grew up in such a place. There was so much that was familiar, everyone knew everyone else or was a relative. This later posed problems securing a date for the high school prom, but more often than not, it created a sense of comfort that gave me a clear feeling of belonging. I suppose that feeling of friendship and kinship is what it means to me to be Danish, and I think that is what the meaning of Danish Days is all about. We Danes are outstanding hosts; this much I have learned. On the weekend known as Danish Days, it a time when the culture of Denmark meets that of the United States underneath the tents and on the tables that line Copenhagen Drive. It is a time when my family comes out to greet yours, when we can learn a little bit more about who we are and the goodness that we have to offer to each other. I am not only speaking of my blood family, but also the kinship of residents that
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
share this place, those who are Danes either transplanted or by association. On this weekend you will see the traditional clothing, the dancing, the nimble hands working the æbleskiver in the pans, and the smiles of the faces on the line, and in every shop and street corner, welcoming you to the culture of Solvang. My grandmother, great- aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and associates will be on call to greet you. So many names, so many guests, and the one thing that they share in common will be the genuine enthusiasm that Danish culture is really our culture, yours and mine, for today, tomorrow, this weekend, and hopefully, forever. These traditions are not lost on me today. Now, as I begin my own family, I think of them often. We all live our own history, and each of us builds our future with our choices and actions. Our traditions and culture are the brick and our choices the mortar, connecting our lives together, blending cultures and people to share the present and shape the future. Therefore, it is with great pleasure for me to welcome you to the culture of Denmark and the celebration that is Danish Days. May it be a tradition with your family for many years to come.
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Velkommen 2015
Solvang Fun Facts January 12, 1911: 8,883 acres of land purchased for new Danish colony in the Santa Ynez Valley November 21, 1911: 1 acre of land on Pine Street in Solvang: $175 June 1929: 6 stop signs installed in Solvang 1931: dial telephone (3 digits) comes to Solvang Winter 1943: steelhead run in Santa Ynez River estimates at 25,000
S OLVANG SA
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
CALIFORNIA’S
= A NTIQUES FINEST COLLECTIVE
CEA-7501-A-A5
Joining with our friends and neighbors to
79th Annual Solvang Danish Days Bruce Porter, CFP® Financial Advisor
Porte Saint-Denis, Winter by Édouard Leon Cortès
.
1090 Edison St Ste 101 P O Box 599 Santa Ynez, CA 93460 805-688-9079 www.edwardjones.com
antiques v fine art v jewelry
Member SIPC
1693 Copenhagen Dr. v Solvang, CA 93463 805-686-2322 v www.solvangantiques.com ww
Enjoy German, American and Danish dishes at our family-style restaurant and beer garden. Located on the corner of Second Street and Copenhagen Drive. Behind the Blue Windmill
805-688-6213
Part of the Solvang experience for 41 years! Page 28
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
RL Media Photo (c) 2007
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Velkommen 2015
Danish Sisterhood “Flora Danica” turns 50, still on a mission
S
by Else Lassiter & Janet Townsend
olvang’s chapter of the Danish Sisterhood, Flora Danica, is pursuing our mission to “Strengthen, maintain, and preserve our Danish Heritage and Traditions for future generations” in this country. Not always easy when the Danes believed in assimilation. The 1860-1930 were the big years for Danish Immigrants. 350,000 left Denmark to become Americans. As more and more people arrived, many of whom had little money and spoke only Danish; It became clear that help was needed, both financial and social to help them integrate into their new country. Like many other immigrant groups, Danes established societies to meet this need. The Danish Brotherhood was established and then used as a model when in 1883; Christine Hemmingsen decided that women needed a society of their own. Moved by the death of a young mother and the families ensuing problems, Christine established the first Danish Sisterhood on Dec. 15, 1883 in Michigan. It provided members support in their grief, financial assistance and a funeral benefit. Although a funeral benefit might sound strange in a social club, it was, sadly needed. It was a hard life and many died. Four out of Christine’s own eight children died in infancy. Following Pastor N.F.S. Grundtvig’s vision of maintaining the Danish culture in the U.S.A., Solvang was established as a rural Danish town in 1911. On March 20, 1965, 10 ladies established Lodge 177, Flora Danica, of the Danish Sisterhood of America. These ladies were Ingrid Hansen, Edith Pearson, Francis Lunde, Greta Larsen, Grete Larsen, Anne Marie Christiansen, Phyllis Hammer, Ragnhild Aagergaard, Birgit Nelson and Ellen Weber. This March we celebrated our 50th anniversary at a sit-down dinner attended by 40 members. Two of them at the dinner, were the remaining charter members Ellen Weber and Birgit Nelson, and three new members. Our Dinner was topped off by a special kransekage, bearing an almond paste replica of our sisterhood logo/ shield baked by Bent Olsen. For 50 years we have worked to maintain our “Danishness,” in our community by our involvement in community affairs and contributions to worthy causes and two high school scholarship once a year. For Solvang’s 100 year anniversary we had a “Solvangopoly” game made up for a fundraiser and last year we had an æbleskiver recipe with the pan printed on a flour sack towel, both items are for sale in our booth and at the Home Connection.
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We participate in Danish Days every year. In our booth we sell hand-made items and homemade Danish cookies. It is our main fundraiser every year. The second Sunday in December we put on a
Group photo on 50th Anniversary
Kransekage (wreath cake)
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Æbleskiver Flour Sack Dishtowel Made here in California Designed by our Local Danish Sisterhood Lodge #177. One of their own members homemade recipe. All proceeds of the towel to be donated to High School Scholarships Cost $10 This will be sold in the Danish Sisterhood booth during Danish Days Event and also at The Home Connection , 425 Alisal Rd in Solvang 805-686-4553
Atterdag College
Sonja and Harriett at Danish Days 2009
traditional Christmas dinner, offer hand-made gifts at a small boutique and bake goods, entertainment, dancing around the tree and a visit from Santa. The evening is open to everyone, reservations are helpful. We, along with the Brothers have hosted fundraisers, dinners, built parade floats, supported queen candidates. One memorable event was the Hawaiian Luau at the Memorial Hall, complete with a whole pig and Hawaiian dishes. Another was the Danish Days Ball. The Danish Days Foundation needed someone to chair the Ball and the “Sisterhood” accepted the challenge. It was a big job, because there were no invitations so no one knew if there would be 50 or 200 attending (over 250 came). The Sisterhood came through though, cooking up all the hot and cold dishes and serving a smørgasbord on a replica Danish Viking ship, built by Johannes Jaeger and crew. Over the years there have been many other events and social gatherings as well. We welcome everyone to our “Sisterhood” and to our mission. We also take time to have a lot of fun. The Sisterhood meets the second Wednesday evening of the month at members’ homes. If you are interested, please call or email our president, Aunt Donna Andersen-Ineman. At 805-705-2118, or at Home.connection@verizon.net.
Flora Danica Lodge #177, Solvang
Solvang Fun Fact
Solvang’s first store
Sophus Olsen opened the town’s first general merchandise store at the corner of present day Alisal Road and Copenhagen Drive in 1911. Solvang’s settlers were enterprising. Danish and Danish-American entrepreneurs supplied the growing community with the business it needed, from tailoring, shoes, baked good, general merchandise, groceries and meat to billiards, pool and tobacco.
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL
at Elverhøj Museum of History and Art by Esther Jacobsen Bates
Photos courtesy of Elverhøj Museum of History and Art
Celebrate Solvang’s history and cultural roots during the Living History Festival, Saturday and Sunday September 19 and 20 at Elverhøj Museum of History and Art. Artisans, storytellers and craftspeople will demonstrate their skills and entertain visitors throughout the weekend event. The public is invited; admission is free. “There will be hands-on Bobbin lace making is activities for all ages and lots among the hands-on activities offered to of variety this year,” said Esguests of all ages. ther Jacobsen Bates, Elverhoj Executive Director. “Artisans demonstrating woodworking, blacksmithing, and Viking chain mail construction will join some of our visitors’ favorite crafters showcasing lace making, Danish papirklip (papercutting), and fiber arts.” Exhibits come to life with demo n s t r a t i ons The colorful hand-painted panels in the of spinning Elverhøj kitchen. and weaving. Skilled craftspeople teach visitors about the centuries old fiber arts of Viking knitting, Hardanger, and Nolbinding. Bobbin lace makers will create samples of their intricate work and offer guests an opportunity to try their hand at this centuries-old art. Visitors are invited to linger in the Museum garRandall McGee, AKA Hans Christian Andersen, per- den where blacksmith Hans forms in the Museum gar- Duus will be pounding out den during Danish Days. Page 32
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metal pieces. Joining him will be a woodworker crafting wooden storks. These Danish symbols of good luck can be found perched on rooftops around Solvang. Danish papirklip (papercutDocents clad in color- ting) is an exacting and centuful Danish folk costumes ries-old craft.
Elverhoj volunteer Inge Jacobsen, pictured with a young visitor, demonstrates how to make paper stars, a traditional Danish craft.
weave paper hearts and stars, a time-honored Danish Christmas tradition. Storyteller Randall McGee, always a Festival favorite, will perform as world famous author Hans Christian Andersen. History, heritage and art on display year-round at Elverhøj. The Museum occupies the former residence of one of Solvang’s most artistic families. The historic
Elverhøj Museum occupies the former residence of one of Solvang’s most artistic families. The historic handcrafted structure is built in a style derived from the large Danish farmhouses of 18th century Jutland.
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Room displays artifacts from a handcrafted structure, two rural one-room Danish home as blocks south of the village cenit might have looked in the 1870s ter, is the former dream home when Danish emigration to the of artists Viggo Brandt-ErichUnited States was at its peak. sen and his wife, Martha Mott. Tucked in a corner of the garIn 1949 they began building den is the diorama cottage which in a style derived from the houses small scale buildings delarge Danish farmhouses of picting 1920s Solvang with its 18th century Jutland. Many mix of architectural styles that elements of Scandinavian ardid not yet include the Danish chitecture were incorporated designs adapted in the 1950s. into the design. Ornamental Elverhøj Museum of History wrought ironwork, sculptures, and Art is located at 1624 Elvera carved redwood main entry hoy Way in Solvang, two blocks door, and hand painted wall south of Copenhagen Drive, just panels are just some of the peroff of Second Street. The Musemanent imprints of this talentum is open Wednesday through ed family. Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:00 Since 1988, Elverhøj Museum has been welcoming Blacksmithing will be demonstrated during the p.m. There is no charge for admission; suggested donation is $5. and educating visitors. Among Living History Festival For a full schedule of Musethe permanent exhibits is the Solvang Room which presents the town’s history with um programs and to learn more about Solvang’s rich photos, video, artifacts and models. The Immigrant history, visit www.elverhoj.org.
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Coffee Shop and Marketplace
Offering the best quality in wedding cakes 438 Alisal Road • Solvang • 805-688-4939 Come visit us at our new location! www.solvangbakery.com
Private Apartments • Beautiful Views Restaurant Style Dining • Housekeeping Activities • Transportation• Family Atmosphere
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. A Non-profit, Continuing Care Retirement Community Lic# RCFE421700369 COA 152 Page 34
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Velkommen 2015
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
Solvang Children’s Shop
Danish-style dresses made especially for our shop 1666 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 688-6218
www.solvangdresses.com
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Curtains • Lace Fine Imported Gifts Copper & Brass Antiques Danish Dolls Royal Copenhagen Bing & GrØndahl Collectibles
1676 Copenhagen Drive 805-688-3750 Solvang, CA 93463 805-688-4661
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
STAR DRUGS Drugs & Sundries Vitamins & Supplements First Aid Supplies
SAN TA VAL YNEZ LEY NEW S
2 01 3
Authorized UPS & FedEx Shipping &Receiving Wine Shipping Color Copies & Fax Service
Gifts Greeting Cards & Gift Wrap School & Office Supplies
Free Prescription Delıvery* *limited delivery area
order your prescriptions online! 3576 madera street, santa ynez p: 805.688.6898 f: 805.688.6047 monday-friday 830am - 630pm saturday 9am - 5pm
www.stardrugsantaynez.com
Thank you
to Cal Coast Machinery for loaning us the “little green machines.” We don’t know where we would be without you.
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Velkommen 2015
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
Svendsgaard’s Danish Lodge Family owned and operated for over 30 years, we welcome you to make Svendsgaard’s Lodge your destination headquarters when visiting the quaint town of Solvang. You will find our 27 standard, 17 deluxe and 4 large suites tastefully decorated, exceptionally clean, comfortable and at an affordable rate that makes visiting us a tradition! www.svendsgaardslodge.com
Johnson’s Jewel Box Lazer Repair Services Manufacturing Jewelers Gemologists
1711 Mission Drive • Solvang, CA 93463
(800) 733-8757 • AAA Rated Property •
436-B Alisal Road • Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 688-3080
The Danish Pioneer Newspaper – Since 1872 ARTICLES IN ENGLISH & DANISH
We Invite you to join The Danish Pioneer Family today! Please help us to preserve The Danish Pioneer, the oldest Danish-American newspaper in the U.S.A. Join us in celebrating 143 Years in 2015! -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Danish Days Special Offer for New Subscribers & Gift Subscriptions:
An ideal gift anytime! Features 26 quality issues per year including the Big Holiday Edition. Subscribe today! First year only: 26 Issues for $40.00 via periodicals delivery or 26 Issues for $48.00 via first-class mail in the U.S.A. Service also available to Canada, Denmark & outside the U.S.A Please call or e-mail for rates. ----------------------------------------------------------------------
For subscription & advertising services, please write, e-mail, or call: Elsa Steffensen, Publisher, Linda Steffensen, Editor & Elizabeth Steffensen, Webmaster Bertelsen Publishing Company, 1582 Glen Lake Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60169 USA
Tel. 847-882-2552, Fax 847-882-7082, E-mail: dpioneer@aol.com www.thedanishpioneer.com (English) or www.dendanskepioneer.com (Danish) Page 40
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Velkommen 2015
FINAL MIA AD:NBM_2015_ VEelkommen 6/19/15 8:05 AM Page 1
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Nielsen Building Materials has always been a proud supporter of Danish Days. This year we are prouder than ever.
MiaAndersen Solvang’s 2015 DanishMaid (Rehearsing Since 1998)
.
,
Congratulations Mia on being selected as Solvang’s Danish Maid. We think you are the best. With love ~ Mom, Dad, Emma, Owen, and Nolan
1230 Mission Drive in Solvang, CA / 805.688.6464 / 800.581.4775 / www.nbmlumber.com
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
Holding onto tradition by sharing ‘amuyich
It’s a Chumash tradition to reach out to our neighbors and care for our community. We call it ‘amuyich.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians embraces this tradition to make our community a better place to live. We are proud to support Danish Days.
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation www.santaynezchumash.org
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Visit us at in the HC Andersen Hus, located in the courtyard by Ingeborg’s Chocolates.
We offer imported Danish needlework from:
• Eva Rosenstand/Clara Waever • Oehlenschlagers/Permin and the Danish Handcraft Guild. Also Featured:
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
Celebrating Jesus Christ’s Birth for 48 Years
• Unique ornaments • Wooden Nutcrackers • Nativities • Danish Items • Collectibles
VALLEY HARDWARE & Garden Center 1665 Mission Dr., Solvang, CA 93463 805-688-4191 • 800-676-4191 Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Make Valley Hardware your one-stop headquarters for a great selection of gifts and unique home decor. Convenient hours to help make shopping fun. In downtown Solvang, across from the park.
Welcome to Danish Days
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Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
DANISH MILL BAKERY & Coffee Shop
“Since 1960”
The Arvid Petersen family came to Solvang from Denmark in 1957 and opened the Danish Mill Bakery in Solvang on Sept 17, 1960. Through the years the family has always maintained the finest quality baked goods. 1682 Copenhagen Dr. • Solvang • 805.688.5805
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Velkommen 2015
VIKINGS IN SOLVANG THE RAVENS OF ODIN Solvang’s Viking Heritage
By Jaan Calderon Photos by ROO
the year 1000 A.D., almost 500 Solvang’s Danish Days is a fesyears before Christopher Columtive event for the entire community. bus’s voyage in 1492. Residents and visitors alike partake in Historians believe that the the celebration of the city’s birthday. word Viking originated from the The Festival features numerous activiOld Norse word “Vik”. This was ties such as music, dancing, comedy, a term used to signify a waterway storytelling, parades, exquisite foods, such as a sea, river, creek, inlet, beer, wine, and shopping. It also feabay or fjord. The Old Norse word tures Vikings!!!!!!!!!!!! “Vikingr” came to define the acFeatured at tions of those Scandinavians who the festival is the sailed these waterways to seek acclaimed historifame and fortune on raids of pilcal Viking Age lage and plunder. In essence a Dark Ages pirate. educational group, It was one of the last remaining times in history were Ravens of Odin. such actions where “culturally permitted” within a society They proudly as long as they were taken abroad. A common, landless man, represent the anwith no inheritance, property or material wealth, could vencestral heritage of ture into the world, and achieve fame and fortune by the Solvang’s cultural strength of his mettle, force of arms, courage and will. roots by providing The actual percentage of Norsemen who went “A Via “snapshot in time” of what life was like for the Danish king” at any given time during this period was only about people a thousand years ago. 3% of the entire Scandinavian population. Most ScandinaThe Viking Age was an era in Dark Age European hisvians of the age, raised crops, cattle, sheep, or harvested the tory spanning sea. In modern roughly from times, the term The encampment, located in Solvang Park, features Viking Age tents and furniture, the years 793 “Viking” has trade goods, and objects of plunder gained from a Viking raid. AD to 1066 been expanded AD. Among to refer to the entire chronological period of the age. Scandinavians, the term “Viking” was used to define the It was not uncommon for a sailing enterprise to comactivity of individuals during this time period, rather than bine both “raid and trade”. Norsemen would raid a village to define a national identity. for goods, and then trade the Originating from the countries recognized today as gained plunder to a strongly Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, the Vikings sailed the wafortified town or city. Many terways of Europe facilitated Norse became quite wealthy by the Longship, which was in this manner, and came to the technological innovation be known as “Sea Kings”. of the age. Vikings raided, Swedish and Norwetraded, and settled in England, gian Vikings sailing the Ireland, Russia, Ukraine, Poriver systems of Eastern land, Spain, France, Germany, Europe, re-opened trade Scotland, Greenland, Iceland, routes with the Middle East, Isle of Man, Estonia, Finland, which had stagnated after Latvia, Lithuania, and the the fall of Rome. Indigenous Middle East. Norse explorers people along these routes, discovered and founded a col(Finns, Estonians, Slavs, Arony in North America around abs and Byzantines) called Page 46
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Velkommen 2015 them “Ruotsi” and “Rus”. This roughly translates as, “the men who row”. These terms became the root source for the naming of the land known as Russia. Today, the word “Viking” conjures up stereotypical images of large, brawny, hairy, half naked men dressed in furs, horned helmets, waving giant axes and uttering barely audible guttural syllables. They are currently featured in an ongoing cable TV series, movies, commercials for credit cards and auto insurance, romance fiction, comics, and even a professional sports franchise. The Viking culture endures today as evidenced by the four days of the week, which are named after gods belonging to the Old Norse/Germanic pantheon (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Ravens of Odin feature historically costumed men and women displaying the weapons, armor and accoutrements which exemplified the Nordic persona of the age. The group works closely with Solvang’s Danish Days committee and the Elverhøj Museum to ensure that their presentation aligns with Solvang’s cultural theme for the festival. Speaking engagements are also conducted at the local schools of the area to educate the younger generations about the Vikings. Ravens of Odin philosophy echoes from the following quote taken from the “sayings of Odin the High One,” which is found in the Elder or Poetic Edda of the Germanic /Nordic Culture: “Cattle die, kindred die, Every man is mortal: But the good name never dies Of one who has done well” The group strives to “Do well” at all the events in which they participate. Exacting detail to all aspects of the Viking age culture is portrayed. Many artifacts at the encampment have been created by world renowned artisans. It is from Nordic Mythology that founder Jaan Calderon looked to for inspiration while selecting a name for the group. In Norse mythology, Odin (Wotan), the Chief
Nordic/Germanic deity, has 2 ravens, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory) which he sends forth, every day, out into the world. When the ravens return, they bring him information of what is happening. The members of the group perform a variant of this as they go out into the world bringing people information/education on the Norse culture. The encampment, located in Solvang Park, features Viking Age tents and furniture, trade goods, and objects of plunder gained from a Viking raid. At the hospitality table, the foods that were consumed during the Viking age are displayed. The weapons rack gets allot of attention at every event. Spears, axes, swords, shields and armor are displayed. Demonstrations of how the various weapons were used in combat are provided. Visitors can try on armor, and hold an exact replica of a Viking weapon under the supervision of the ever vigilant warrior attendants. The encampment also displays the many skills performed by Viking age women. Weaving and braiding are demonstrated, as well as the dyeing of fabric. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the group members, ask questions, and examine the items on display. This provides a great opportunity, to be “up close and personal” with the Viking culture. One can even take a “selfie” with a Viking. It also allows a chance for the members of Ravens of Odin to share their enthusiasm and passion, with those who appreciate it. This echoes another quote from the Elder Edda, which summarizes both a visitor’s and participant’s interactive experience: “Hail to the speaker, Hail to the knower, Joy to him who has understood, Delight to those who have listened”
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SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Poems from The Havamal of Odin Page 47
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k ! y e l l a V nez Thanks Again Santa Ynez Valley! Velkommen 2015
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
SOLVANG DANISH DAYS FOUNDATION
Bit-O-Denmark Restaurant has been serving the Valley since 1963 with the oldest Danish recipes and the best home cooked meals and providing a comfortable atmosphere for our customers.
EZ WS A YN E SANT LLEY N VA
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Thanks Again Santa Ynez Valley!
B it o’
Best Danish Restaurant
A few favorites from our menu:
D enmark
Roast Duck with a traditional brown sauce
Restaurant
Monte Cristo Sandwich with homemade raspberry jam and fruit
Apple Cinnamon Crepesatmosphere AMERICAN AND DANISH CUISINE in a unique Old World
Lunch • Dinner • Smorgaasbord • Full Bar • Premium Local Wines • Espresso Bar
Espresso Enclosed Patio for HOLIDAY PARTIES SOLVANG’S OLDEST RESTAURANT
AMERICAN AND •DANISH CUISINE in a unique Old WorldEvery atmosphere 473 Alisal Road Solvang • 805.688.5426 • Open Day
B IT O O’ D ENMARK Restaurant
Lunch • Dinner • Smorgaasbord • Full Bar • Premium Local Wines • Espresso Bar A few EnclosEd Patio for HolidaY PartiEs favorites from Solva n g’ S ol de St r e Stau rour a nt menu:
473 Alisal Road • Solvang • 688.5426 • Open Every Day Roast Duck
AMERICAN AND DANISH CUISINE in a unique Visit Vinhus, at 440 alisal road in Solvang a SHoP lIKe no otHer. Family-owned and operated, we offer a unique with a Lunch • Dinner • Smorgaasbord • Full Bar • Premiu
selection of cheeses imported from all over the world. We also carry a variety traditional of wine, beer, liquor, candies, teasEand gifts. nclosEd Patio for HolidaY Pa brown sauce Monte Cristo Solvang’ S ol de Stop in for cheeSe taSting. DeSign a cuStom gift baSket for a frienD. make up your own cuStom picnic baSket in the VinhuS , St r e Stau Sandwich 473 Alisal Road Solvang or call aheaD anD your baSket will be reaDy to pick up. the VinhuS DeliVerS locally anD ShipS all oVer the• worlD . • 688.5426 Apple with Visit Vinhus, at 440 alisal road in Solvang a SHoP lIKe no otHer. F Cinnamon selection of cheeses imported from all over the world. We also carry a variety homemade Crepes Stop in for cheeSe taSting. DeSign a cuStom gift baSket for a frienD. make up raspberry jam or call aheaD anD your baSket will be reaDy to pick up. the VinhuS Del Espresso and fruit
440 Alisal Road
Solva ng Road in Solvang A SHOP LIKE NO OTHER. Family-owned and operated, we offer a unique selecVisit Vinhus, at 440 Alisal tion of805.688.7117 cheeses imported from all over the world. We also carry a variety of wine, beer, 440 liquor, candies, teas, and gifts. Alisal Road
ngIN THE VINHUS, OR CALL STOP IN FOR CHEESE TASTING. DESIGN A CUSTOM GIFT BASKET FOR A FRIEND. MAKE UP YOUR OWN CUSTOM PICNICSolva BASKET AHEAD AND YOUR BASKET WILL BE READY TO PICK UP. THE VINHUS DELIVERS LOCALLY AND SHIPS805.688.7117 ALL OVER THE WORLD.
4 4 0 Alisal Road Solva ng 805.688.7117 Page 48
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• 48 Spacious Rooms • Loft Suites • Year-Round Heated Pool • Meeting Facility • Group Discounts • Theater & Golf Packages
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I N N ■
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Escape into the old world charm and hospitality of our newly renovated Inn, in the heart of Solvang .
• Continental Breakfast • Pets Welcome • All major credit cards accepted
1579 MISSION DRIVE • SOLVANG, CA 93463 805.688.5561 • FAX: 805.688.7029 RESERVATIONS: 800.624.6604 www.royalcopenhageninn.com
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Celebrating local heritage.
Bringing people together to celebrate local heritage is a major part of creating a more vibrant, connected community. We are proud to support the 79th Annual Solvang Danish Days and the continued efforts to bring Solvang’s history to life! We invite you to discover what you can accomplish with the leading community bank on your side.
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