Triad Eats

The Scandinavian Christmas Fair is an authentic celebration of the traditions of the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. This old-world celebration is certain to get you in the spirit of the season and will be held this year on Saturday, December 4^th in the Holshouser Building in the State Fairgrounds of Raleigh.This year, which marks the 12^th anniversary for the event, promises to be even better as the word is spreading around the area about the fair which attracts people from Scandinavia and of Scandinavian descent from all over the east coast as well as many Americans that have made this an annual tradition.The Julmarknad (fair) always features a variety of homemade foods, such as Swedish meatballs, salmon and pea soup. Be sure to visit the “Coffee Corner” for coffee and wonderful home baked pastries. Talented artisans and vendors offer everything from knives and quilts to crystal pieces, jewelry, homemade bread, Christmas decorations and more!There will be something on stage the entire day. Performers from the local Scandinavian community will be showing traditional folk dances and playing folk music. There will even be a “fashion show” featuring the beautiful folk costumes of the Scandinavian countries. For many families, the highpoint is the Lucia procession. This singing procession of boys and girls celebrating the season of light is a very memorable experience and not to be missed.There are also cultural exhibits and children’s activities such as storytelling. If the kids have been good this year, “tomten” (Santa Claus) will visit! Children will also take part in the traditional dance around the Christmas tree.Several local Scandinavian organizations are represented at the fair, and there are always plenty of opportunities to learn a little more about the people and customs of the Scandinavian countries. You might even pick up a few words in a local tongue and develop a taste for that traditional herring!The kids will enjoy Julgransplundring of the Christmas Tree (the children keep what they ‘plunder’ from the tree!), a Scandinavian Story Corner, ring dances around the Christmas tree, and a Lucia procession.The Scandinavian Christmas Fair is sponsored by SWEA a Swedish women’s organization and Vasa – a Swedish-American organization. The proceeds of this event go towards scholarships and to support local Swedish initiatives.The N. C. State Fairgrounds are easily accessible from the I-440 Beltline, Interstate 40, as well as from Blue Ridge Road, N.C. Highway 54 (Hillsborough Street) and now Edwards Mill Road. Free parking is available on State Fair and Carter-Finley Football Stadium property.Entrance is 6 for adults and free for children 12 and under.