Midsummer Party 2006

Blending elements from all the Scandinavian traditions, and taking advantage of some of the best available new elements from its setting in sunny Southern California as well, SCAN's annual Midsummer Party is rapidly growing into a tradition of its own. Coming together for the 6th annual version of the celebration at Nansen Field in the beautiful green hills of Palos Verdes on Saturday, 24 June, some two hundred and fifty people of all ages and nationalities were treated to great food, drinks, live entertainment, dancing, and not half bad weather.

The event came off to a great beginning when the late afternoon sun came out in full force during the no-host social hour. Jackets came off and shirt sleeves came up, and by the time the dancing around the Maypole commenced, spirits ran high. The Maypole dancing tradition is particularly important in Sweden and Finland, but has become a beloved part of the festivities for everyone at Nansen Field. This year's Maypole was impressively decorated, as for previous celebrations, by Mons and Anita Bergsten.

Dancing around the Maypole.

Shrimp, bread and wine alongside the field.

Great, heaping baskets of delicious shrimp, enjoyed with white bread, mayonaisse and lemon in the Norwegian tradition followed. Loads of lasagna of several different varieties, including vegetarian, kept most of those not so traditionally inclined in their foodways happy. For the rest, Brits at Nansen again came to the rescue with their highly appreciated contribution to the new Nansen Field Midsummer tradition, the barbecue over by the clubhouse. White and red wine at the table, coupled with beer and liquor available at the two bars, ensured that spirits remained high throughout the meal, served at longtables next to the soccer field. Some people also enjoyed their soft drinks.

When all the cake and coffee after the meal was gone, the band played up inside the hall. The weather having gone a little sour during the meal, shirt sleeves had come back down and jackets back on, but now the direction reversed once again. Dancing is a Midsummer tradition for all the Scandinavian cultures, and now it was time to show each other up on the dance floor. Outside in the gathering dusk, people gathered around the two or three portable fire pits, substituting for the traditional Scandinavian bonfires, and around the bars, substituting for the traditional Scandinavian stills. And thus the evening went, everyone enjoying just a little taste of home at beautiful Nansen Field, Southern California.

The band played...

And everyone...danced.

SCAN's Midsummer organizing committe would like to express its gratitude to everyone who came and helped to celebrate this year, and, not least, all those who donated their time, effort and good spirits in helping to set everything up. Your contributions are highly valued!

[More pictures from Midsummer Fest 2006]

PLEASE: Rate your experience of this year's Midsummer Fest so that we can make this party even better next year.
[Click here to download questionnaire]