Report on Scandinavian Fest trip by Gers Ey Ward, September 2, 2007

On Sunday September 2nd, Gers Ey Ward conducted its first official event; a day-trip to the Scandinavian Festival at Vasa Park in Bud Lake, NJ. It is an event I've attended in previous years at its old location at Waterloo Village; this was my first time going at the new digs.

A brief word about the site; it is unbelievable. Owned and operated by the Vasa Order (http://www.vasa.org; a fraternal order dedicated to things Scandinavian), they have many acres of land, a meeting-hall (which they often rent out for weddings), a playground complete with pirate ship playhouse, pool, etc. etc. etc. All in a secluded spot surrounded by trees. Awesome.

Scanfest itself was, above all else, CROWDED! It is larger than I have ever seen it, and had the lines and crowds to prove it.

I went with several friends from the local neo-pagan community and my daughter (my wife had injured her knee and was unable to go). We all had a great time; I only wish I had had more time to watch the folk-dancing and listen to the music. The food was terrific, seeing the people in traditional Scandinavian folk-costume was a treat as always, and of course the vendors were out in force. I bought a new Thor's hammer made in Sweden that'll go great with my ritual garb, and I bought a copy of "The Tompten" for my daughter Samantha. There were imported linens, foods, jewelery, and a thousand other things. A veritable mall for the Scandinavian-inclined.

This will definitely be an event to be repeated next year.

Contact: gersey@normannii.org

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