Midsommar will soon be upon us – it is one of the most popular celebrations for Swedes, both in Sweden and in this country. This is the season when music fills the air — a time when relatives and friends gather in the open meadow around flower-bedecked tables of food. This festival is traditionally as beautiful as it is entertaining.

This year, the Swedish Historical Society’s Midsommar Fest will be scaled back due to COVID-19, but there will be plenty of  opportunities to celebrate!

Dancing with ABBA:
Virtual Concert

June 19th at 7:00 pm via Zoom

The fun begins on July 19 with the ever-popular ABBA Tribute Band.! The Swedish group ABBA burst onto the musical scene 40 years ago, and they became the only group to sell more records than the Beatles.

“DANCING QUEEN: An ABBA Salute” is the ultimate ABBA tribute band. Their show is full of musical precision, fabulous flair and fashion, and promises a mesmerizing experience for every Chiquitita, Super Trouper, Fernando, and Dancing Queen! Fronted by a dynamic Agnetha and Frida duo, the Midwest’s longtime #1 ABBA tribute has a repertoire of over 30 all-time favorite hits.

As part of our Midsommar celebration, the Swedish Historical Society brings back this very popular group virtually on Saturday evening, June 19th at 7:00 pm. We will stream the event through a Zoom webinar.

To register for the concert: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_15H5HUdDRIC_xryYMRj7Pg

The event will be free, with donations accepted​ through PayPal at @shsrockford.

​ Those who register for the event, will be notified before the event with the link and a reminder of the performance. So, put on your dancing shoes and register for this musical delight in support of this year’s Midsommar celebration!
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Concert sponsored by:
Verdandi Lodge #3, Independent Order of Svithiod (I.O.S.) of Chicago, IL

Mormor's Sale featuring Swedish Vendors

June 26th at 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
​ Nordic Cultural Center

On June 26, a Mormor’s sale will be open for shopping from 10 am to 3 pm,  in the rear gardens of the Nordic Cultural Center. The sale spills over into the garden, where there will also be a limited number of vendors.

Shoppers will be spaced out as they enter through the Nordic Cultural Center, then move through the backyard garden, exiting through the gate adjacent to Nordic Center. Other Haight Village neighbors will be holding their own garage sales that day. 

Another featured event of the Midsommar Fest is the traditional maypole (majstang). The Maypole will be raised by 10 am. on Saturday and left in place through Sunday for photo opportunities and viewing, courtesy of Betsy and Allan Carlson family.

There will be some tables and chairs in the Maypole lot, and food will be available from 11 am to 2 pm. Trinadora will be playing from noon to 2 pm.
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​We hope to see you there!

Celebrate Midsommar at Home! 
Celebrations and Resources from Swedish Cultural Partner Institutions                http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/             https://www.asimn.org/
  • ​Bishop Hill Colony of Bishop Hill, IL
            https://bishophillheritage.org/about/history/
Online Resources from Sweden:                https://visitsweden.com/where-to-go/middle-sweden/dalarna/midsummer-step-step/             https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/midsummer/
Resources for a Midsommar feast:
  • "Celebrate Midsommar with 6 Essential Foods" by Paste Magazine
               https://www.pastemagazine.com/food/celebrate-swedish-midsummer-with-6-essential-foods/#jordgubbst%C3%A5rta
  • "​Celebrate Solstice Like a Swede" from TheKitchn
            https://www.thekitchn.com/celebrate-summer-solstice-like-a-swede-a-guide-to-swedish-midsummer-204900
  • "Swedish Midsummer Food with Recipes" from Ateriet
            https://www.ateriet.com/the-swedish-midsummer-food-with-recipes/
Resources for making a flower crown:                http://www.willowday.net/2012/06/diy-midsummer-crown/             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K5LzJCW0e4