Since 1972 the Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia has been entertaining families in the area with events and activities designed to “preserve, present and promote Swedish Immigrant Heritage.”

There is something to enjoy for everyone at the Gammelgarden Museum. For the history buffs guided tours are available May through October and for someone who likes a little more excitement there is always the Swedish “Midsommar Dag.”

There are also several Swedish classes for children and adults looking to learn more about the Swedish culture.

Among the 2007 summer events the Gammelgarden Museum has to offer are:

• Guided Tours. The Gammelgarden Museum has five log buildings from the mid-1800s including a church, parsonage, barn and peasant cottage. The tours are available weekend afternoons May through October.

• Annie’s Swedish Coffee Parties. Participants in one of Annie’s parties can enjoy a traditional three-course Swedish coffee party. While enjoying the coffee and treats, party-goers will learn about the Swedish history and culture. The parties are offered the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, July through November.

• “Leka i Byn” (Swedish Day Camp). This three-day camp introduces children ages six to 12 to the Swedish culture through literature, music, crafts, dance and games. The camp is held at the Valkommen Hus (Visitor Center) and the instructors are Carolyn and Anikka Spargo. The day camps are being held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 24-26 and August 14-16.

• Midsommar Dag. On Saturday, June 23 area families can enjoy one of the most famous Swedish days. Midsommar Dag combines Swedish music, dancers, maistang and costumes to celebrate the longest day of summer. Starting at 10 a.m., events include tours, a smorgasbord, dancing, music and food. Special guests will make appearances all day including Scandia native Lois Walfrid Johnson.

• Bluegrass and Lemonade in the Shade. This activity is for the music lovers in the community. Participants can enjoy an afternoon, starting at 2 p.m., of enjoyable bluegrass music performed by local musicians. The community is invited to play along with their own instruments if the mood strikes them. Bluegrass and Lemonade in the Shade will be held on Sundays, June 24, July 29, August 29 and September 23.

• “Comin’ to Amerika.” Held in two parts, “Comin’ to Amerika” is an opportunity for boys and girls, ages six to 12, to experience a full day of life challenges faced in early Minnesota. The day long program consists of role playing what it would have been like to be a child coming to America in the 1800s. Participants dress in immigrant clothing typical of that time period. The day will teach them how to use their imagination, and how to work together as a “family” to succeed in the new land.

• Spelmansstamma. Spelmansstamma is the traditional Swedish “fiddle” music festival held at Gammelgarden on Saturday, August 18. The day long event will include a smorgasbord, tours of the museum grounds and plenty of fiddle playing musicians.

As always, the Scandia Butik will be open and operating during most of these events. To register and pay for classes, or to make reservations for a party, contact the Gammelgarden Museum at 651-433-5053 or visit www.scandiamn.com/gammelgarden.

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