If walking down the aisles at IKEA is your idea of experiencing Scandinavian culture, you might want to head to "Scandinavian Fest" in Stanhope, N.J., on Sunday.
The annual festival celebrates the traditions of the Nordic regions of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Estonia, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Lapland. A smorgasbord of fun awaits visitors, including music, dance, food, arts, crafts, re-enactments and games.
The Kari Sjostrand Trio and Peter "Puma" Hedlund, both from Sweden, provide music. There will be performances by saxophonist Anders Lundgard, accordion/tuba duo Scandinavian Delight, as well as the Estonian Folk Dancers and the Annie Galle Dancers.
Visitors can watch artisans demonstrate hand-weaving, Danish paper-cutting and wood-carving, and see a nyckelharpa demonstration by Hedlund.
Foods, such as the Danish frikadeller, kransekager and wienerbrod, will be available, as will Nordic beer and other authentic beverages. American festival fare will be available as well.
There'll also be presentations on genealogy, re-enactors and encampments and talks. The Estonian consul-general will be an official guest.
Children can enjoy Scandinavian and Norwegian storytelling, a Viking encampment with the ancient Norse game of "Kubb," take pony rides, see Norwegian elkhounds, Icelandic sheep and more.
"Scandinavian Fest" runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday on the grounds of Historic Waterloo Village, Exit 25 off I-80, Stanhope, N.J. Rain or shine. $12; $10 seniors; free for ages under 12 and for anyone dressed in authentic Nordic folk attire. Call 610-868-7525 or visit www.scanfest.org.
Fringe Festival
If you like your art a bit on the offbeat, avant-garde and alternative side, you'll like the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
The seventh annual festival takes place tomorrow through Sept. 13 at locations around Old City, Pa.
Featuring nearly 700 theater, music, dance, poetry, comedy and puppetry presentations, the festival takes place not only in theater and concert halls, but also in non-traditional venues such as street corners, cabarets and restaurants.
Festival highlights this weekend include the theatrical production "Drummer Wanted" at the Haas Stage tomorrow through Sunday, the dance program "New York 3" at the Painted Bride Art Center tomorrow through Sunday, and the comedic spoken-word show "Midnight Madonna" at the Mum Puppet Theatre tomorrow through Monday.
For a full listing of events with locations and prices, visit www.pafringe.org, or call 215-413-1318 to reach the box office.
Crafts festival
The Long's Park Art & Craft Festival in Lancaster, Pa., has been named one of the top two fine arts and crafts shows on the East Coast by "The Harris List" and ranked the eighth best fine arts and crafts show in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine. The annual festival runs tomorrow through Monday at Long's Park in Lancaster.
Nearly 1,200 artisans applied to participate in the show, which accepted only 200. Artists will display their sculpture, ceramics, apparel, jewelry, watercolor paintings, photography, contemporary crafts and more.
Visitors can create their own works of art with a hand from artists at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. There will also be live entertainment and gourmet foods from area restaurants and caterers.
The Long's Park Art & Craft Festival runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. tomorrow-Sunday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday at Long's Park, at the Harrisburg Pike/Park City Center Exit off U.S. 30, Lancaster. $9; free for ages 12 and under. $12 admission is good for all four days. Call 717-295-7054 or visit www.longspark.org.
