Don’t miss out on the chance to experience true Swedish sights, sounds and smells, not to mention the chance to satisfy your appetite with an amazing variety of home-made Swedish dishes.
This years MidSommar Festival begins on Friday, June 18 with non-stop activities continuing through Sunday afternoon.
Birgitta Andersson Whited (soprano vocalist from Hope Valley, R.I.), sang as a child in Sweden, studied there and later became both a classical singer and a vocalist with big bands. After settling in the U.S. Andersson Whited began singing leads in musical theater including, “Flower Drum Song”, “Carousel,” and “Kiss Me, Kate,” the latter with Academy Players in East Greenwich, RI.
In the Cabot Street Light Opera, in Providence, Andersson Whited found a regular place singing popular roles such as Mabel in “Pirates of Penzance” and Aline in “The Sorcerer.” She also performed in operas, including Mozart’s “The Impresario”, and “The Magic Flute,” as Papagena. Today, a regular member of the Shoreline Chamber Ensemble, Mystic, Conn., the vocalist is performs cantatas by, including those composed by Bach and Mozart. She also sings for Swedish audiences around New England and is an often heard as soloist in churches for special occasions.
This years marks her third appearance in New Sweden, during the cherished tradition, June 18-20, of Midsommar Fests. Andersson Whited will also be singing local favorite Swedish songs inviting a sing-a-long, during the festival on Sunday at the New Sweden Baptist Church beginning at 3 p.m.
For more information, call Kathy Hede Robinson at 896-7909.
MidSommar brochures are available at area businesses.
• American Girl Doll Raffle: Near museum; Swedish-American Girl doll “Kirsten Larson” in her handmadeSwedish National Costume;; Value $250; Tickets: 1 for $2 or 3 for $5; tickets available at the New SwedenMuseum afternoons; Host: New Sweden Historical Society; costumes made and donated by Judy Holmquist.
• 9 a,m, Flower gathering: meet at New Sweden Historical Museum or on Carlstrom Hill, Rt. 161, above Madawaska Lake; volunteers bring garden clippers, waterproof shoes, and 5 gal buckets; 4-5 vehicles needed; meet at Museum; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 11 a,m, (after flower gathering) Set up museum grounds: New Sweden Historical Museum; roustabout volunteers are needed to help setup tents, tables, chairs; Ralph might cook a hot-dog; meet at Museum; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• afternoon Suggestions for Friday afternoon: visit Stockholm Museum, self-guided tour of Colony using guidebook map; New Sweden Cemetery, visit Ostlund Farm pond and fields with your picnic lunch, Geocaching, Healthy Maine walks at Thomas Park; the Nylander Museum and the Caribou Historical Center & Museum in Caribou; please make suggestions; FMI: Bill Duncan, 207-896-3461;
• 12:30 p,m, Nylander Museum in Caribou opens: Main Street, Caribou; displays of local natural history and collections by Swedish Colony naturalist Olof Nylander; until 4:30; donation; FMI: Jeanie McGowan, 207-493-4209; Host: Nylander Museum
• 2 p,m, Stockholm Museum open: Stockholm; large collections genealogy, photos and artifacts, veterans room, “Annie’s Shop” country store recreation, history on the mills; a great place to stop in before the Legion Supper across the street; donations; FMI: John & Rosemary Hede, 207-896-3177; Host: Stockholm Historical Society
• 3 p,m, Genealogy Research Class: New Sweden School; Lynn Johnson would love to help find your family connections to Sweden; bring information about your ancestors to share and compare; Lynn is chair of the Genealogy committee and is collecting and sharing data on Swedish immigrants who came to Aroostook. Lynn will be at the museum Friday: 3; Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday: 2-3:30 p.m.; $12; FMI: Lynn Johnson, P.O. Box 620319, Redwood City, CA 94062; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 1 p.m. NSHS Museum open: ; artifacts from the Swedish Colony; Regular time; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 5 pm Community Choir Practice: Baptist Church; open to all, time and location may change, call to confirm; Swedish hymns; sing on Sunday; FMI: Brenda Jepson, 207-896-3416; Host: First Baptist Church, New Sweden
• 6 p.m. Stockholm Legion supper: Stockholm Legion Hall; Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, rolls, vegetables, carrot jello, homemade desserts, bar service; $10 reservations or at the door; FMI: Kathy Robinson, 207-896-7909; Host: American Legion, Stockholm
• 7 p.m. Swedish dance & entertainment: Stockholm Legion Hall; we are looking for local talent; $2 suggested donation for entire family; FMI: Bill Duncan, 207-896-3461; Host: Maine’s Swedish Colony, Inc.
Saturday June 19
• 4:30 a.m. Fishing Derby: Cross Lake Landing; must have ticket to qualify; breakfast and lunch available; until 6 pm.; any Fish River lake; prizes: 2 biggest trout $100 & $50; 2 biggest salmon $100 & $50; Lucky ticket draw: $100 & $50; $1 entry fee; FMI: Herb Ketch, 207-498-8430; Host: Sportsmen Inc.
• 7 a.m. Midsommar Frukost: Thomas Park; (Midsummer Breakfast) until 9 am; proceeds to benefit food pantry; donations welcome; $5 adults, $3 children; FMI: Stephen Burden, 896-0930; Host: Lord’s Pantry and Friends
• all day Parking is restricted: on Museum grounds; museum yard is reserved for handicapped parking and the bus stop; park only on the north side of the Station Road, a bus is available between the sites and parking areas;
• 9 a.m. Mini bus shuttle: between the Museums and parking areas; until 2 pm; please park only on the north side of the Station Road; handicapped parking only at museum; a bus runs continuously to parking areas: Town Hall, Lutheran Church, behind North Star Variety, Baptist Church, Thomas Park, and Blacksmith shop; cosponsored by Maine Swedish Colony, Inc.; bus $1donation for the day; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society/Maine’s Swedish Colony, Inc.
• 9 a.m. Genealogy Research: NSHS Museum; Lynn is chair of the Genealogy committee and is collecting and sharing data on Swedish immigrants who came to Aroostook; FMI: Lynn Johnson; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 9 a.m. Välkommen-Bievenue-Welcome table: at entrance to grounds; stop by to join or renew your membership; raffles include American Girl doll; donations accepted; FMI: William Duncan/Kathy Robinson, 207-896-3461; Host: New Sweden Historical Society/Maine’s Swedish Colony, Inc.
• 9 a.m. Capitolium Museum open: Museum; raffles include: American Girl doll Kirsten Larson; T-shirts on sale inside; memberships available; donation; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 9 a.m. Lindsten Stuga tours: behind museum; traditional Swedish Colony home; donate at the museum; FMI: Connie Bondeson, 896-5590; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 9 a.m. Gift Shop/Capitol School Museum: Capitol School; until 2 pm; new items, many Scandinavian gifts, local arts and crafts; new one-room school house displays and artifacts; donations; FMI: William Duncan, 207-896-3461; Host: Maine’s Swedish Colony, Inc.
• 9 a.m. Arts/Folk Life Displays: near Museum; until 4 pm.; exhibitors please call to reserve a space; demonstrations/activities are encouraged; no fee to display only; $20 per site; FMI: Doug Anderson 896-5807; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 10 a.m. Larsson/Ostlund house tours: Station Road; 2 story log house; until 4 pm.; walk down to the pond behind the house, Sunday by appointment, shuttle bus stop; donations; FMI: Gerald Nelson, 207-896-5789; Host: Maine’s Swedish Colony, Inc.
• 10 a.m. Kubb, Viking lawn bowling: near Capitol west side; fun and relaxing; FMI: John Erickson, ; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 10 a.m. Photo Display and Swedish Translations: Capitol School; Anders Tidstrom returns with New Sweden photos he took in 1970. He is also available to translate your Swedish documents.; FMI: Jean Duncan, 207-896-3461;
• 10 a.m. Dala Horse painting: behind museum; family activity until noon; roosters and hearts too; small fee; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 10 a.m. Hair wreaths: Lindsten Stuga; make-your-own; bring small flowers, florist’s wire, and cutters to share; donation; FMI: Gusty Anderson, 207-896-3077; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 10 a.m. Noak Blacksmith Shop tours: from museum, half mile east from museum on Station Road, look for the sign; demonstrations and displays in carpenter and blacksmith shops; open until 4 pm, shuttle bus stop; donations; FMI: Matt Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: Maine’s Swedish Colony, Inc.
• 10 a.m. Coffee: beside Museum; coffee, homemade sweets, and sandwiches (11 am) for sale; FMI: Gloria Ringdhal, 207-896-5574; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 10 a.m. Ice cream: near Capitol School; homemade; for sale; FMI: Janet Erickson, 896-5692; Host: Lutheran Happy Followers
• 11 a.m. Hot dogs: near Capitol School; hot dogs and punch for sale by Ralph Ostlund family and Don Peters; Host: Maine’s Swedish Colony, Inc.
• 11 a.m. Majstång (Maypole): by Museum; family activity, trimming the Majstång, music and dancing; New Sweden Little Folk Dancers, bring your own seating and sun hat; gather bouquets and give them to the decorators; everyone dances around the pole; the maypole celebrates the colony’s Swedish heritage and the start of our short summer; donate at entry; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• Noon Swedish dance lessons: Museum; everyone participates; instruction by Kathryn Larson and Karen Soderberg Hinchliffe to introduce you to the fun of Swedish Dancing; donations to muscians and instructors; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• Noon Lagerstrom House Museum open: Corner of Beckstrom Road and Sealander Road, Woodland; well-preserved Swedish Colony home from 1896; furnishings, artifacts, tours; go south 1.3 mi. from Capitol, turn left on Sealander Rd, 1.3 mi.; open until 4 pm; donations; FMI: Linda Norsworthy, 207-498-3081; Host: Woodland Historical Society
• Noon Snowman School Museum open: Woodland Center Road (Rt 228), Woodland; one-room schoolhouse from 1895; open until 4 pm; displays, artifacts, tours; about 7 miles from Capitol; donations; FMI: Linda Norsworthy, 207-498-3081; Host: Woodland Historical Society
• 2 p.m. Baptist Church Open House: First Baptist Church; the first church in New Sweden welcomes you; learn about our ministry starting in 1871, a year after the Colony was founded in New Sweden; visit our sanctuary and food pantry; Swedish hymnals and Bibles; light refreshments; until 4:40 pm; free; FMI: Stephen Burden, 896-0930; Host: First Baptist Church, New Sweden
• TBA Dog Sled Kennel Tours: Haywood Kennel, 141S. Main St., Stockholm; Learn the history of Dog Sledding in Sweden; see a professional racing kennel set up; Lindy and Kevin will answer all questions about their racing and dog sled rides; FMI: Lindy Howe, 207-896-3038; Host: Heywood Kennel
• TBA Swedish Genealogy Research Class: New Sweden School; each class is scheduled to last 2 hours and will briefly cover basic beginner research (for the person totally new to genealogy research) and then more in depth information for the more experienced researcher; guides and handouts will be provided to all attendees; each session restricted to 30 participants; contact Lynn to reserve your seat; class and materials: $12; mail your check to NSHS, PO Box 33, New Sweden, ME 04762; proceeds to Clasé house restoration; FMI: Lynn Johnson, newswedengenealogy@gmail.com; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 1 p.m. Nylander Museum in Caribou: Main Street, Caribou; displays of local natural history and collections by Swedish Colony naturalist Olof Nylander; until 4:30; donation; FMI: Jeanie McGowan, 207-493-4209; Host: Nylander Museum
• 2 p.m. Video Screening: New Sweden First Baptist Church; Biathalon Comes to the County featuring Ralph Ostlund and Russell Currier; about 30 minutes in length; many of Brenda Jepson videos contain scenes from Maine Swedish Colony; donation; FMI: Brenda Jepson, 207-896-3416; Host: Crown of Maine Productions
• 2:30 p.m. Cleanup museum grounds: New Sweden Historical Museum; volunteers needed; roustabouts help take down tents, put away chairs and tables and cleanup museum grounds; pitch in anywhere; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 3 p.m. Birgitta Andersson Whited Concert: New Sweden Baptist; our favorite soprano returns this year for informal concert of sacred music sung in Swedish; sing-along; accompaniment by TBA.; donation; FMI: Kathy Robinson, 207-896-7909; Host:
• TBA Hambo Dance Workshop (tentative): tentatively at New Sweden school; instruction in the Swedish Hambo dance by Kathryn Larson and Karen Soderberg Hinchliffe; no onlookers allowed; time and place details are not finalized; check back; suggested $2 donation to instructors/musicians; FMI: Bill Duncan, 207-896-3461; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 4 p.m. Community Choir Practice: Baptist Church; open to all, time and location may change, call to confirm; Swedish hymns; sing on Sunday; FMI: Brenda Jepson, 207-896-3416; Host: First Baptist Church, New Sweden
• 4:30-6 p.m. Swedish Supper: at Svea Hall, Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church, Capital Hill Rd.; meatballs, ham, mashed potatoes, rotmoss, pickled herring, casseroles, salads, desserts, beverages; no reservations; two settings; raffles; $10 adults, $5 children under 10; FMI: Gordy Compton, 896-1009; Host: Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church
• 5 & 5:30 p.m. Smörgåsbord: New Sweden School, Westmanland Rd.; heritage recipes from church members; two settings; always a sell-out; reserve your tickets early!; $20-advanced tickets only; FMI: Judy Holmquist, 207-498-3525 after 5 pm. 27-A Park Street., Caribou, ME 04736; Host: Covenant Church Women
• 7:30 p.m. Dance Lessons: New Sweden school; instruction by Kathryn Larson and Karen Soderberg Hinchliffe reintroducing the pleasure of Swedish Dancing; live music; suggested $2 family donation to instructors/musicians; FMI: Bill Duncan, 207-896-3461; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 8 p.m. Dance: New Sweden School; family activity; dance music by The Swedish Meatballs; dance instruction before; $2.00 per family or donation; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• after the dance Bonfire: Thomas Park; ; FMI: Sven Bondeson, 896-5590;
• 4:30 p.m. Fishing Derby: Cross Lake Landing; must have ticket to qualify; breakfast and lunch available; until 6 pm.; any Fish River lake; prizes: 2 biggest trout $100 & $50; 2 biggest salmon $100 & $50; Lucky ticket draw: $100 & $50; $1 entry fee; FMI: Herb Ketch, 207-498-8430; Host: Sportsmen Inc.
• 9 a.m. Baptist Church Service: at the Church; worship out of the weather; scheduled early so you can also attend the service in the park; time may change, call to confirm; offering; FMI: Stephen Burden, 896-0930; Host: First Baptist Church, New Sweden
• 10:15 a.m. Church Service: Thomas Park; Interfaith worship; special welcome to New Sweden Baptist congregation; bring a hat; bleacher seating or bring your own; rain location: Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church; offering goes to New Sweden Historical Society; FMI: Gordy Compton, 896-1009; Host:
• 11:15 a.m. Lunch in the Park: Thomas Park; turkey, salads, and fixings, New Sweden Historical Society members are asked to bring a dish; rain or shine; $8 adults, $5 children 12 and under, $5 seniors over 65; FMI: Jerry Nelson, 207-896-5789; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 12:45 p.m. Carrying the Majstång (Maypole) to the Park: From Capitol Museum on Station Road to Park; come down to the Museum and walk back to park; traditional Swedish walking music; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• p.m. Noak Blacksmith Shop: from museum, half mile east from museum on Station Road, look for the sign; demonstrations and displays in carpenter and blacksmith shops; open until 4 pm, shuttle busstop; donations; FMI: Matt Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: Maine’s Swedish Colony, Inc.
• 1 p.m. Sunday Program: Thomas Park; arrival of the Majstång (Maypole); Little Folk Dancers; music and entertainment Silas Gustafson, Birgitta Andersson Whited; honoring Eloise and Edmund Anderson and John Anderson; donate in the Viking helmet; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 2 p.m. Lagerstrom House Museum open: Corner of Beckstrom Road and Sealander Road, Woodland; until 4 pm; well-preserved Swedish Colony home from 1896; about 3 miles from Capitolium museum, furnishings, artifacts, tour; donations; FMI: Linda Norsworthy, 207-498-3081; Host: Woodland Historical Society
• 2 p.m. Genealogy Research: Museum; ; FMI: Lynn Johnson; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 2 p.m. Capitolium Museum open: Museum; after the program; donation; FMI: Debbie Eustis-Grandy, 207-896-5240; Host: New Sweden Historical Society
• 2 p.m. Capitol School Museum/Gift Shop: Capitol School; until 2 pm; new items, many Scandinavian gifts, local arts and crafts; new one-room school house displays and artifacts; donations; FMI: William Duncan, 207-896-3461; Host: Maine’s Swedish Colony, Inc.
