City of Scandia, MN

Seasonal Events – for specific dates and plans for each year, check out the Scandia Community Calendar or the website links given.

Vinterfest - January

Typically held the fourth Saturday in January, Vinterfest is Scandia’s celebration of Winter. Events vary from year to year, but have included a Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Scandia Marine Lions Club, a snow sculpture contest, the Pleasant Valley Cloggers, a Kubb Tournament, kid friendly food and crafts sponsored by Gammelgården, the Minnesotan Cup Hockey Tournament, a chili cook-off sponsored by Elim Church, and Fireworks.

Immigrant for a Day - May
Visitors can experience a FREE day at Gammelgården as an immigrant making a new life on a small farm in the town of Scandia in the late 1800’s. As part of the annual Minnesota Museums Month, visit each of the five historic and fully furnished buildings to participate in the work and play of residents of this small farm. Visitors may be hauling water, packing a trunk for America, making butter, doing laundry and playing games at “recess” in the new school yard. Visitors are invited to come dressed in period costume to add to their experience. Visit the Gammelgården website for specific details.
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Farmers Market - June - September

The mission of the Scandia Farmers Market is to provide a venue where local farmers, producers, crafters and artisans come together to provide a variety of fresh produce and related products directly to the consumers. The market began in 2011 and encourages direct communication between consumers and growers and foster social gathering and community building. It is typically held on Wednesday afternoons.

Midsommer Dag - June

Midsommar Dag is one of the most important holidays in Sweden and one of the most uniquely Swedish in the way it is celebrated. The Majstång (the Swedish version of a Maypole) is decorated with greens and flowers then raised in the center of town. Traditional Swedish music and dances celebrate the long days of summer! In Scandia the celebration includes the raising of the Majstång on the Gammelgården museum grounds followed by a program of music and folk dances. Also to be enjoyed is a Midsommar Picnic, Children’s Swedish “Immigrant for a Day” activities, games and crafts, a bake sale where visitors will find Swedish treats and a performance by the Scandia Band.

Fat Cat - July

The St. Croix Fat Cat Triathlon, presented by the Scandia-Marine Lions Club and 100% run and operated by volunteers, began in 2014 with the intent of showcasing the beautiful Scandia and Marine on St. Croix areas with a day of exercise, food, music, and (most importantly) FUN! The Triathalon includes paddling on the beautiful St. Croix River, running, and bicycling. It can be done individually, with a partner, or in tandem. It raises funds through racer registration fees and incredible sponsors with all proceeds going back to local communities, education, and Lions’ causes.
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Spelmansstämma - August

This Immigrant Fiddle Fest is a long held Swedish tradition where fiddlers gather on a lovely day, play tunes and teach each other new music. The music has never been written; it is always shared by playing only! This annual festival held on the Gammelgården Museum grounds is a great activity for families. Spelman = Fiddler / Stämma = Gathering Celebrate the immigrant fiddle with musical entertainment, dancing and food!
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Taco Daze - September

Presented by the Scandia/Marine Lions Club, Taco Daze in Scandia is a day-long event that includes Scandia famous tacos, arts and crafts vendors, children’s games, food, a pickleball tournament, an antique car and tractor show, a parade, and more.

Annie's Swedish Coffee Parties – October, November, December
Held on select dates on the second Saturdays during October, November, & the first Saturday in December, Gammelgården hosts Annie’s Swedish Coffee Parties. Annie, Gammelgården’s longest resident, is the inspiration behind this traditional Swedish 3-course Coffee Party. A perfect way to celebrate birthdays, a family get together, or a special treat for yourself and a friend! Afterwards, visit the Butik gift shop to find wonderful Scandinavian gifts. October dates include a tour of the Museum’s five historic buildings. November & December dates do not include a tour, rather they do include history / Swedish Jul program.
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Lutfisk & Swedish Meatball Dinner (and Silent Auction) - November
Enjoy a traditional holiday Swedish Smörgåsbord starring the famous Swedish Lutfisk served with cream sauce and melted butter accompanied by glorious Swedish meatballs, parsley buttered potatoes, Swedish beans, pickled beets, Scandinavian coleslaw, rye bread, lefse, krispbread and Swedish almond cake with lingonberry compote. Before or after dinner, stop and place a bid or two at the Gammelgården Museum’s Silent Auction and head to the Butik Gift Shop at the Museum to take advantage of its annual sale: 15% discount on ALL items in addition to the regular member discount of 10%! Visit Gammelgården’s website for event details.
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Vinterlights! - November

On the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, at dusk, the holiday lights turn on throughout the Scandia Village Center. Sponsored by the City of Scandia, the Scandia-Marine Lions, Gammelgården Museum, and Elim Lutheran Church, Vinterlights! is Scandia’s way of kicking off the holiday season for celebrating and shopping local. The community comes together at the Community Center to enjoy the turning on of the lights. The celebration has included hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies indoors at the Scandia Community Center, a bonfire outdoors for people to enjoy, and caroling. Since its beginning in 2018, each year has offered a different twist including an all-day arts and craft fair, a Light Up Scandia Homes contest, a medallion hunt, a visit with Santa Claus, a coloring contest and more. People are asked to bring non-perishable food for the Scandia-Marine food shelf to help alleviate hunger during the holiday season, and eyeglasses for the Lions Recycle for Sight Program. Specific program details are available at the Scandia-Marine Lions' website.

Lucia Dagen - December

Welcome the holiday season with the celebration of Lucia. On the Gammelgården Museum grounds, follow the candlelit pathway to the GammelKyrkan (Minnesota’s oldest Lutheran Church) for a brief Swedish prayer service. (Dress warmly—this church dates back to 1856 and has no heat.) Afterwards, move across the street to the Scandia Community Center for a full Lucia Jul Fest Breakfast with special guests; the Svenskarnas Dag Girls Choir which presents their lovely music program that honors Lucia and her ministry of bringing light into darkness. Gammelgården’s large exhibit of Lucia artifacts will be on display at the Museum during the month of December. Lucia Dagen is a family tradition for all ages. Visit the Gammelgården website for event details.
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Breakfast with Santa - December

A morning full of holiday cheer at the annual Breakfast with Santa! The Lions serve scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, fruit cups, and more! Activities include pictures with Santa with an accompanying button, face painting; live holiday music and singing! The Boy Scouts sell wreaths and the Lions sell community Super Saver Books. People are asked to bring non-perishable food for the Scandia-Marine food shelf to help alleviate hunger during the holiday season, eyeglasses for the Lions Recycle for Sight Program and hearing aids for the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project. Visit the Scandia Marine Lions' website for event details.