FRIDAY, SEPT. 20, 2024

4 to 7 p.m.: Free Concert – Catch local band Sean Wiggins & lOne gOat, performing live on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage in Parking Lot 2, in downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Danish Days Viking Beer & Wine Garden. All ages welcome; must be 21 years or older to enter Viking Beer & Wine Garden.

4 to 9 p.m.: Axe Throwing – An axe-throwing arena in downtown Solvang. Participants must be 13 years of age or older to enjoy. Ages 13-17 need to have a parent or guardian present. Closed-toe shoes required. Axe throwing continues on Saturday and Sunday.

4 to 9 p.m.: Viking Beer & Wine Garden – Outdoor beer and wine garden; supports the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. Viking Beer & Wine Garden continues on Saturday. (Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.)

7:30 p.m.: Torchlight Parade – Free for participants, all ages welcome, candles will be provided. Route begins at Alisal Road and Laurel Avenue, strolling south down Alisal Road and ending at the Midgaard Pavilion Stage (in Parking Lot 2, downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Danish Days Viking Beer & Wine Garden).

8 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies in Solvang Park introducing the 2024 Danish Maid, Kaeley Reid. Velkommen Street Dance follows with Danish dancers performing to live music.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21, 2024

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Æbleskiver Breakfast on Copenhagen Drive between First and Second Streets, $10 per person (with Danish sausage, $12). Tickets available online in advance, or at the event entrance.

9 a.m.: Old World Artisans Marketplace –Demonstrations and artisan hand-crafted items, including Scandinavian arts & crafts, woodworking, papercutting (papirklip), rosemåling, fabric art, jewelry, pottery, and the ever-popular Danish Sisterhood Booth. An open-air Nordic shopping district of finely crafted items, on First Street.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Expanded Kid’s Korner featuring the popular LEGO® tent, in Solvang Park, plus Luna’s Jumps attractions on First Street (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Solvang Danish Days LEGO Building Competition – Watch the creative process as three of California’s top brick builders compete against each other with their own supersized takes on three of Solvang’s prized windmills. Builders will be located in Solvang Park. (Building continues Sunday morning.)

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Living History Days at Elverhøj Museum of History & Art (1624 Elverhoy Way; www.Elverhoj.org). Exhibits come to life during this free, interactive history lesson for all ages. Craftspeople, artisans, and storytellers demonstrate their skills and entertain visitors. Snap a selfie at the Viking photo stop stocked with costumes and props.

10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: John and Ashley Clark, Hans Christian Andersen Storytimes – Young and old alike will enjoy listening to hours of tales from Denmark’s favorite author. Saturday readings: 10:30 a.m. at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum (at The Book Loft), 1 p.m. at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.: Axe Throwing – An axe throwing arena in downtown Solvang (see Friday’s listing).

11:30 a.m.: Free Æbleskiver Eating Contest – Contest will be held in the Midgaard Pavilion in Parking Lot 2, downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Danish Days Viking Beer & Wine Garden. All ages welcome for this five-minute competition.

12 to 4 p.m.: Guided Solvang Food Tour – Led by Santa Barbara’s ‘Eat This, Shoot That!‘, discover the best comfort food, hidden watering holes, and artisan shops in downtown Solvang while learning about the local history. Tourincludes 8-9 tastings and foodie locations, bites, and sips – with a professional tour guide – while learning foodie photo tips and tricks using your smartphone’s camera. Details available at eatthisshootthat.com/tours/solvang (Advance ticket purchase is required.)

12 to 9 p.m.: Viking Beer & Wine Garden – supports the Solvang Danish Days Foundation. (Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.)

2:30 PM: Danish Days Parade – Includes the Solvang Village Band atop the Carlsberg Beer Wagon, floats, equestrians, Village Dancers, and more. Line-up starts at 1:30 p.m. on First Street, between Molle Way and Oak Street; parade begins by turning east on Copenhagen Drive, then north on Alisal Road, west on Mission Drive, south on Fourth Place, east on Copenhagen, south on Second Street, finishes at corner of Oak Street near Solvang City Hall. NO CHARGE to participate in the parade; applications are available at www.SolvangDanishDays.org/contact-us.

3:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Free Concerts featuring live performances on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage in Parking Lot 2, in downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Viking Beer & Wine Garden. All ages welcome (must be 21 years or older to enter Viking Beer & Wine Garden). Concerts are free and open to the public. Out Of The Blue performs 3:30 to 6 p.m.; The Molly Ringwald Project performs 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22, 2024

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Æbleskiver Breakfast on Copenhagen Drive between First and Second Streets (see Saturday’s listing). Advance tickets available for sale at solvang-danish-days-2024.eventbrite.com.

9 a.m.: Old World Artisans Marketplace –Demonstrations and artisan. An open-air Nordic shopping district of finely crafted items, on First Street (see Saturday listing).

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Solvang Danish Days LEGO Building Competition – Watch the conclusion of the creative process as three of California’s top LEGO builders compete against each other with their own, supersized takes on three of Solvang’s prized windmills. Builders will be located in Solvang Park. Judging of the builds begins at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, followed by a 3 p.m. winner announcement for the best build, which will occur during the Solvang Danish Days Closing Ceremony.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Axe Throwing – An axe throwing arena in downtown Solvang. (See Friday listing)

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Expanded Kid’s Korner featuring the popular LEGO® tent, in Solvang Park, plus Luna’s Jumps attractions on First Street.

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Living History Days at Elverhøj Museum of History & Art (1624 Elverhoy Way; www.Elverhoj.org). (See Saturday listing).

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: John and Ashley Clark, Hans Christian Andersen Storytimes – Denmark’s favorite author reads hours of tales. Sunday readings: 11 a.m. at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum (at The Book Loft), 1 p.m. at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.

11:30 a.m.: Free Æbleskiver Eating Contest – Contest will be held in the Midgaard Pavilion in Parking Lot 2, downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Danish Days Viking Beer & Wine Garden. All ages welcome for this five-minute competition.

12 to 2 p.m.: Free Concert – Terry & The Ripleys perform live in the Solvang Park Gazebo.

2 p.m.: Children’s Parade – Parade begins at Atterdag Square (corner of Atterdag Road and Copenhagen Drive) and meanders down Copenhagen to Solvang Park. All children and families are welcome to join this event; no charge to participate, and costumes are encouraged.

3 p.m.: Danish Days Closing Ceremony in Solvang Park – The 2024 Danish Days Maid closes the festive event weekend, with a live music performance to follow.

All events listed here are subject to change or cancellation.

The post Solvang Danish Days 2024 Schedule appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

California’s premier Danish heritage festival, Solvang Danish Days (SolvangDanishDays.org), is coming this weekend, Sept. 20-22, and this year’s event will see the return of two favorites: the two-day Lego Building Competition, and the Aebleskiver Eating Contest, which will see the return of last year’s winner, competitive eater and internet sensation Raina Huang. And Huang will have some competition as another competitive eater, Naader Reda (@, will be appearing at his first Danish Days.

The family-friendly Lego Building Competition will take place will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-22, as part of the three-day festival weekend.

The event will feature three of California’s stars in the brick-building world, who will compete against each other as they construct their own takes on supersized versions of three of Solvang’s iconic windmills. The Lego Building Competition kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m., as the builders begin their projects. Stationed in Solvang Park, at the heart of the unique destination marked by European architecture and fairy tale ambiance, Saturday’s build will run through 4 p.m. The public is welcome to spectate free of charge as the invited pros craft their building block windmill scenes.

Sunday, Sept. 22, brings more in-town building from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a judging period that starts at 1:30 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. winner announcement for the best build, which will occur during the Solvang Danish Days Closing Ceremony in Solvang Park. The building competition winner will be awarded a cash prize.

The 2024 Solvang Danish Days LEGO Building Competition builders are as follows:

• Chris Wight – first-place winner in 2022 Solvang Danish Days LEGO Building Competition: Wight, also the first-place winner in Solvang’s April 2022 town-wide Lego Building Competition, has had his brick workfeatured online, in kids’ TV shows, in magazines and more.

• Jesse Gros – Tied for first place in 2023 Solvang Danish Days LEGO Building Competition: Gros is a life coach, international retreat leader, and author who rediscovered Lego seven years ago with his daughter, Devon. He is an avid builder known for creating large-scale, custom builds, combining steampunk, pirate, and fantasy genres.

• Suzanne Hansen – Tied for first place in 2023 Solvang Danish Days LEGO Building Competition: By day, Suzanne Hansen is an engineer for Kern County. She is also a designer who enjoys using paper and Legos to create, especially after catching the “bug” in 2017 when she built a model of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”

Also returning to this year’s Danish Days weekend is Raina Huang (@rainaiscrazy), who will once again travel to the Santa Ynez Valley to compete in the event weekend’s Aebleskiver Eating Contests.

Huang’s first appearance at the Solvang Danish Days Aebleskiver Eating Contest was in September 2018, when she broke all modern Solvang Danish Days records by consuming 36 of the doughy pastry balls in the five-minute competition. 

Joining Huang this year in the friendly competition is eating challenger Naader Reda (@freakeating), participating in his first Solvang Danish Days Aebleskiver Eating Contest.

Both contests (Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22, 2024) are free to enter, all ages are welcome, and the public is invited to compete alongside Huang and Reda. Prizes will be awarded to non-professional eaters in two separate age groups, for both days. The all-you-can-eat five-minute contests will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Midgaard Pavilion in Parking Lot 2, in downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Danish Days Viking Beer & Wine Garden (Copenhagen Drive, between First and Second Streets; must be 21 years or older to enter Viking Beer & Wine Garden).

Ticket sales for the Solvang Danish Days 2024 “Dane For A Day” VIP ticket bundle (only available online), as well as advance, online tickets for the Saturday and/or Sunday Æbleskiver Breakfasts, are currently available for purchase at Solvang-Danish-Days-2024.eventbrite.com

Admission to Solvang Danish Days is free and the weekend’s varied offerings include activities for all ages ranging from fan-favorite food events surrounding Æbleskiver, the iconic Danish pastry rounds; to a Danish-style beer and wine garden serving Danish import, Carlsberg beer, alongside local brews, wines and festival eats; to an axe throwing arena; interactive history lessons at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art; story time sessions with Hans Christian Andersen; and, an Old World artisanal crafts marketplace.

Solvang Danish Days also includes plentiful free entertainment with three parades, Danish folk dancers and musicians performing in locations all over town, plus free, live concerts on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage in the middle of downtown Solvang, adjacent to the Viking Beer & Wine Garden. Solvang Danish Days will also feature an expanded “Kid’s Korner” this year, which will once again include the popular, and shaded, LEGO® activity tent.

Event weekend updates will be posted to the Solvang Danish Days Facebook and Instagram feeds at facebook.com/SolvangDanishDays and @DanishDays.

The partial 2024 Solvang Danish Days event weekend schedule is available online, at SolvangDanishDays.org.

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The nonprofit Solvang Danish Days Foundation has officially announced the festival’s 2024 Danish Maid, Kaeley Reid, who is set to preside over this year’s 87th Solvang Danish Days (SolvangDanishDays.org), Friday through Sunday, September 20 through 22.

Kaeley, 16, is currently a junior at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. She has enjoyed cheerleading for the football team and stays busy with her classes, the majority of which are honors and AP classes.

She has spent most of her life in Valley, attending Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Preschool, moving on to Solvang Elementary and, after a brief time living in South San Francisco and attending elementary and middle schools there, returning to the Valley and attended Jonata Middle School.

“As this year’s Danish Maid, I can’t wait to represent Solvang and present our Danish history and culture to both locals and visitors, some of which travel from all over the world to join in our annual Danish Days festivities,” Kaeley said.

“I am happy to give back to the community I hold so dear and most importantly, I will be honoring the memory of my grandparents, who left me too soon. I know they will be smiling down on me.”

Kaeley’s Danish roots stem from her maternal grandfather, Hans “Farfar” Birkholm (1946-2019), who was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. Hans moved to Solvang with his family in 1957, and while attending Santa Ynez High School, he met his future wife and Kaeley’s grandmother, Denise “Nisie” Birkholm (1951-2018). Hans and Denise raised three children in Solvang, including Kaeley’s mother, Karine Birkholm-Reid, who was the 1998 Danish Days Maid.

Kaeley’s grandparents were instrumental in the organization and growth of Solvang Danish Days. Hans was one of the original Solvang Danish Days Foundation Board members, and Denise was credited with numerous duties which kept the festival running each year, until she passed away in 2018. Kaeley’s family has been involved in Danish Days weekend for decades, and she experienced her very first Danish Days festival when she was just nine months old.

As she got older, on Saturday and Sunday mornings of the festival weekend, Kaeley would help her grandfather and her father in the breakfast tents, learning how to make the ever-popular aebleskiver, while Kaeley’s dad, Peter Reid, would help with the early morning tasks in the tents. 

“Once we were done with breakfast duties, I would gather with all of the event workers for lunch in the Solvang Festival Theater garden, and dance with my friends before getting to participate in the Danish Days Parade on my Farfar’s golf cart,” Kaeley reminisced. “On Sundays, I would walk in the Children’s Parade, tossing candy from the back of a cart that was usually driven by my mother.”

Kaeley noted that her mother, Karine, has always held the family’s Danish traditions and culture near and dear, and that after her mother graduated from high school, she moved to Denmark for a year to attend a Danish folk school in Helsingør.

“Having the honor of being this year’s Danish Days Maid means the world to me. I would love to carry on the family tradition, and follow in my mom’s footsteps,” Kaeley said. “My parents have always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and this is a big one.” 

Solvang Danish Days, California’s premier Danish culture and heritage festival, has grown and evolved since its humble beginnings in 1936, when a one-day celebration commemorating the 25th anniversary of Solvang’s 1911 founding was first conceived. Solvang Danish Days is now a weekend-long event that includes authentic food, music, dancing, parades, live entertainment, and family activities. The 2024 Solvang Danish Days theme, “Det Dansk, Det Dejligt” (“It’s Danish, it’s delightful!”), will be highlighted during this year’s returning event weekend.

More information about Solvang Danish Days including a brief history of the event, 2024 event weekend schedule and details, parade applications, and contact information, is or will be available at SolvangDanishDays.org. Solvang Danish Days is also on Facebook and Instagram at facebook.com/SolvangDanishDays and @DanishDays. Aebleskiver Breakfast tickets and “Dane For A Day” ticket bundles for the 2024 event weekend are currently on sale at solvang-danish-days-2024.eventbrite.com.

About the Solvang Danish Days Foundation

In early 1995, the Solvang City Council approached Santa Ynez Valley residents from long-established, local Danish families and other interested groups, about possibly setting up a nonprofit foundation — Solvang Danish Days Foundation — to formally plan and organize the increasingly popular, annual Danish Days festivities. The original Solvang Danish Days Foundation board members were Ken Andersen, Brenda Anderson, Hans Birkholm, Max Hanberg, Howard Petersen, David Rasmussen, and Henry Skytt. The foundation members meet throughout the year to ready each year’s celebration. Donations and volunteers for the event are always welcome; go to SolvangDanishDays.org. for more information.

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The Solvang Danish Days Foundation has officially announced the cancellation of the 2021 event weekend. Solvang’s Danish Days was previously scheduled for a two-day, in-person event line-up, Friday and Saturday, September 17 and 18. Solvang Danish Days 2021 would have celebrated the festival’s 85th anniversary.

“The decision to cancel this year’s Danish Days, for the second, unprecedented year in a row, breaks our hearts. The festival weekend is a tradition for so many members of our community, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our city for this annual cultural event,” said Max Hanberg, Solvang Danish Days 2021 co-chair.

Hanberg continued, “However, with Danish Days scheduled for just over a month from now, and with so many unknowns due to the impending COVID surges, we felt that the safest thing to do for our residents and for our tourists, was to cancel the event.”

A major impetus for the 2021 event’s cancellation was the new facemask mandates set forth by the State of California and by Santa Barbara County, in which Solvang resides.

“Solvang Danish Days annually draws thousands of attendees, a potential crowding situation which we wanted to avoid this year due to the spread of the virus’ Delta variant,” added Brenda Anderson, Solvang Danish Days 2021 co-chair.

Solvang Danish Days, which traditionally honors the 1911 establishment of Solvang by Danish-Americans, was also canceled in 2020 due to the enduring COVID pandemic.

Anderson concluded, “Danish Days is a town-wide celebration, and while we cannot hold this year’s festival as planned, our town’s still here. We do welcome visitors who are traveling safely, and our businesses look forward to giving everyone a taste of our ‘little Denmark’.”

More information about Solvang Danish Days, including a brief history of the event and complete contact information, is available at www.SolvangDanishDays.org. Solvang Danish Days is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, at facebook.com/SolvangDanishDays, twitter.com/DanishDays, and @DanishDays. Future event dates will be announced in the first half of 2022.

About the Solvang Danish Days Foundation

In early 1995, the Solvang City Council approached Santa Ynez Valley residents from long-established, local Danish families and other interested groups, about possibly setting up a non-profit foundation – Solvang Danish Days Foundation – to formally plan and organize the increasingly popular, annual Danish Days festivities. The original Solvang Danish Days Foundation board members were Ken Andersen, Brenda Anderson, Hans Birkholm, Max Hanberg, Howard Petersen, David Rasmussen and Henry Skytt. The Foundation members meet throughout the year to ready each year’s celebration. Donations and volunteers for the event are always welcome; please contact the Foundation for more information.

The post Danish Days canceled second year in a row appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Solvang Danish Days Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2021 Danish Days Maid. Applicants must submit an essay about their qualifications and accomplishments, and preference will be given to a candidate who will be a high school senior during the fall of 2021.

The 2021 Solvang Danish Days festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 17-18.

The Danish Days Maid will have a busy few weeks prior to the actual Danish Days event dates, making appearances at meetings of the Solvang Rotary Club, the Vikings of Solvang, and the Danish Brotherhood and Sisterhood.

During the festive weekend, the Danish Days Maid will have an honorary position in the Danish Days Parade, and will need to be available for media interviews and other event appearances.

Applications may be emailed to Solvang@stilettomarketing.com or mailed to Brenda Anderson, Solvang Danish Days Foundation, P.O. Box 1424, Solvang, CA 93463. The application deadline is July 15, 2021.

The post Applications open for Danish Days Maid appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Staff Report

Throwing axes, juggling knives, and munching down thousands of aebleskiver were some of the many highlights of this year’s Danish Days.

Led by Danish Maid Gillian Nielsen, the weekend of Sept. 20-22 began with the Torchlight Parade on Friday night, when people strolled by candlelight; continued with the main Danish Days parade on Saturday; and closed with the charming Children’s Parade on Sunday.

“It was so special to have four generations of our family all together celebrating Danish Days this year,” said Robyn Christian Moon, “from my Mor Mor (grandmother) to my daughter. My daughter Macie was wearing her cousin’s dress that matched my sister’s Danish Maid outfit back from 1996. It was so great to continue our family traditions.”

Since its modest beginnings in 1936, when a one-day celebration commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Solvang colony’s founding in 1911 was conceived, Danish Days has evolved into a weekend-long festival showcasing the village’s heritage. The annual event includes authentic food, music, dancing, parades, live entertainment and family activities.

The 2019 Solvang Danish Days theme – “A Salute to Denmark’s Flag: Celebrating 800 Years of Dannebrog” – showcased the nation’s 800-year-old flag, called “Dannebrog,” which is the world’s oldest national flag, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

For more information visit www.danishdays.org

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Understanding Cash Flow – 4- 5:30 p.m. at The Landsby in Solvang – Presented by SCORE, for business owners wanting a better understanding of cash flow and how to make businesses succeed. Free to the public, limited seating, email info@buellton.org.

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Buellton Chamber Open House and Google Training g- 5 – 7 p.m. at the Buellton Chamber of Commerce. Space is limited, email info@buellton.orgfor more info.

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Free Nutrition Class – 11 a.m. at SYV Cottage Hospital – Discussion theme is “Let’s make a healthy start to Autumn”. Classes are led by Clinical Dietitian Stacey Bailey. For more info contact Bailey directly at 805-694-2351.

Danish Days Begins – This thee day Danish festival that runs through Sept. 22, is complete with parades, live entertainment, food and drink, children’s activities and more. For the complete events visit https://santaynezvalleystar.com/danish-days-2019-schedule-of-events/.

Brett Young – 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino – The country pop singer-songwriter brings his “Ticket to L.A” tour to the Central Coast. Experience a passionate performance of the award winner’s biggest hits, including “Sleep Without You,” “In Case You Didn’t Know,” “Here Tonight” and “Like I Loved You.”  Learn more at www.chumashcasino.com.

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Community members can become part of the solution to ocean pollution by helping out on Coastal Cleanup Day from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Sept. 21.

California Coastal Cleanup Day – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – East Beach Garden Street – Coastal Cleanup Day is a local and international event held every September to clean our beaches and waterways. When you volunteer for Coastal Cleanup Day, you’re not only cleaning the beach, you’re also joining the largest volunteer effort in California! For information about volunteering, contact scvolunteermanager@sbnature2.org.

Live music at The Good Life – 8 p.m. – Join in the fun for live with classic rock of local singer/songwriter Dan Cressler! More info at www.thegoodlifecellar.com.

Living History Festival – Sept 21 and 22 at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art. Artisans and craftspeople will demonstrate their skills and entertain visitors. Admission is free to the two-day Festival on Danish Days weekend. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm Sunday.

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Travel Presentation – 3 p.m. at Buellton Rec Center for a group travel trip May 21 – 26 to Chicago, Ill., to see Millennium Park, Frank Lloyd Wright Home, Architectural Cruise, Garfield Park and more. T

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Huntington Library and Gardens – 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. with Solvang Parks and Rec – Cost is $65 per person, meet at the Solvang Veteran’s Memorial Hall. This art and culture excursion visits 150 acres of breathtaking gardens.

Zoo School – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Join hands-on, experiential program for early education learners (3–5) and homeschool students (ages 3–15). Their interactive approach fulfills California standards by introducing age-specific content and developing research skills. Over each 8-week session, students explore as field biologists, recording observations, evaluating problems, and developing solutions. Visit www.sbzoo.orgfor more information.

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Valley wide Teen Dance – 7 – 10 p.m. at Buellton Rec Center  for grades 6 – 8. Cost is $10 per dancer, permission slip required.

Tom Burgher and Gayle Roski discuss sculpture award candidates with the winner, “One Ornery Cuss” by Vic Riesau, seen in the background.

SLOPoke – Runs from Sept. 27 – 29 at Flag is Up Farms. This fine art of the West exhibition and sale includes wine tasting, live music and 50 percent off at the Wildling Museum. Visit www.the-slopoke.comfor tickets and more info.

Swan Lake – 7:30 p.m. at PacSLO – the Russian Ballet Theater presents Swan Lake, with new touches to this timeless classic. Visit www.pacslo.orgfor tickets and more info.

Ramon Ayala – 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino – The Accordion King returns to the Central Coast to serenade crowds with his signature songs and defining instrument. Enjoy more than 40 years of his greatest hits including “Un rinconcito en el cielo,” “Tragos Amargos” and “Chaparra de mi amor.” Learn more at www.chumashcasino.com.

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Jeff Lundberg is chief executive officer and president of Babé Farms, one of the ag industry businesses that will host tours during the inaugural Santa Barbara County Farm Day on Sept. 28.

Santa Barbara County Farm Day – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Santa Barbara County farms in Santa Maria Valley and Lompoc will open their doors to the pubic during the first annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day. www.SantaBarbaraCountyFarmDay.com

Artist Talk with Sculptor John Cody – 4 p.m. at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art. Cody is a world renowned sculptor and has his work featured in the “Crossing Paths” exhibit until Nov. 3. Learn more at www.elverhoj.org.

Goleta Lemon Festival – Runs from Sept. 28 – 29 – You’ll find wonderful lemon flavored foods, a fantastic family atmosphere, and variety of entertainment and activities that have made this the most anticipated event in the Goleta Valley. This weekend also includes the Goleta Fall Classic Car and Street Rod Show and the ever-popular ‘Safety Street.’ Don’t miss our pie-eating contests, and the arts and crafts vendors. Visit www.lemonfestival.com.

Live music at The Good Life – 8 p.m. – Join in the fun for live Folk/Americana music with local favorites, Los Spindleros! More info at www.thegoodlifecellar.com.

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Carrizo Plain – A Sense of Place Film Screening and Discussion – 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature – Join the Wildling Museum for a special screening of the new short-form documentary, followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Jeff McLoughlin and featured film participants and artists Bill Dewey, Chris Chapman, and John Iwerks.

Dreamers & Wayfarers – The Way West presented by John Copeland at the Santa Ynez Historical Museum. Learn more at www.santaynezmuseum.org.

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Stacey Bailey

Free Nutrition Class – 11 a.m. at SYV Cottage Hospital – Discussion theme is “Diabetes Management Options”. Classes are led by Clinical Dietitian Stacey Bailey. For more info contact Bailey directly at 805-694-2351.

Continuing Events

Mondays

Yoga, 9 a.m.; Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Arts and Crafts every third Monday; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Preschool Storytime – 11 a.m. – Buellton Library – Bring your preschooler to story time to help get them ready to read!

Divorce Care Recovery Seminar and Support Group – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy Library, 891 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; Louise Kolbert at 805-688-5171.

Tuesdays

Computer class, 9 a.m., Knitting, 9:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 11 a.m.; bridge and poker, 12:45 p.m.; Mah Jongg 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Preschool Story Time – 10:30 a.m. at Solvang Library. Bring your preschooler to story time to help get them ready to read!

Two-Step Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. – Industry Night and Karaoke Party. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.themavsaloon.com.

Pickle Ball – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome.

Wednesdays

SYV We Support the Troops – 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers pack care packages on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. 805-245-4951.

Art Class, 9 a.m.; Book Club, 10 a.m. (call first); Bingo, 1 p.m.: Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Wiggly Storytime – 10:30 a.m. – Solvang Library – Short stories, songs, rhymes and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Knit and Crochet – 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Healing Hearts Support Group – 2-4 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road. Free. To R.S.V.P. call 805-693-0244.

Solvang Farmers Market – 2:30-6:30 p.m., First Street between Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

Crafternoons – 3:45-5:45 p.m. Arts Outreach, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. Suite 9, Los Olivos. $10/child; 805-688-9533.

Lindy Hop Lessons – 7:10 p.m. for Beginner, low impact and 8 p.m. for Intermediate level. Classes are taught by Hannah Rasby at the Solvang Vets Hall. Cost is $5 per class.

Thursdays

Sideways Inn Local’s Night Specials – 5 p.m.- 8 p.m., 114 East Highway 246, Buellton; 805-691-8088.

Chair Exercises – 10 a.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, Noon; Basic Cartooning, 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Reading with Dogs – 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Solvang Library – Tail Waggin Tutors help young readers practice reading skills.

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley – Noon-2 p.m., Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center offers a support group for brain injury survivors and caregivers; www.jodihouse.org.

Pickle Ball – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome.

Fridays

Nutrition Classes – 11 a.m. – SYV Cottage Hospital Conference Room – Instruction Stacey Bailey is a dietician and offers weekly courses in various topics. For more information call 805-694-2351. Bring your lunch and talk nutrition.

Tai Chi, 9:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.; Pilates – 10:15 a.m.; Ukulele 11:15 a.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Bingo – 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Saturdays

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m.; 805-688-4515 or www.sbparks.org.

Junior Rangers Program – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154. Children 3 and up; under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult. $3/person. Nature Center admission is free. Visit www.clnaturecenter.org.

World Folk Dance – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec – Ages 8 – adults, learn dances from Scandinavia, England, Scotland, Italy and more. Family fun and free.

Sundays

Brunch at The Landsby – 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. – They now accept reservations on Open Table app for the dining room and Mad & Vin patio starting at 7.30 am. For more info visit www.thelandsby.com.

Coming Up

Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com, www.buelltonrec.com or www.visitsyv.comto see a full schedule of programs and events that range from adult and youth sports to teen dances, field trips, excursions and more.

The post Calendar of Events for September 17 to October 1 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Students of the Fossemalle Dance Studio in Santa Ynez will again entertain the Danish Days crowds at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, in downtown Solvang.

“The girls so look forward to performing at Danish Days and we hope that people will come see their beautiful dances they work so hard at practicing,” Christine Fossemalle said.

Fossemalle is celebrating her 34th year of teaching ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop, and there are now several generations of dancers who have studied under Fossemalle and her former student, now fellow teacher, Sonia Ibarra.

“I love seeing the evolution of my students from their first class to when they get more experience. I know most of them won’t continue with careers in dance, but it’s teaching more than just how to dance. Classes teach them to be on time, to be responsible, because the performances are a team effort,” she said.

For more information on Fossemalle and her class schedule, which resumed this school year, log onto www.fossemalledancestudio.com. For the full schedule of Danish Days entertainment, visit www.danishdays.org.

The post Fossemalle dancers to perform during Danish Days appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Here is a schedule of events, although it is subject to changes. More information can be found at www.solvangdanishdays.org.

Friday, Sept. 20

4 p.m.: Free concert by T-Bone Ramblers in the Solvang Park Gazebo, Mission Drive and First Street.

4 – 9 p.m.: Axe Throwing hosted by Axehole Vegas.

5 – 10 p.m.: Viking Beer & Wine Garden with proceeds supporting the Solvang Danish Days Foundation.

7:30 p.m.: The Torchlight Parade. Free for participants of all ages; candles will be provided. Route begins at Alisal Road and Laurel Avenue, continues south down Alisal and ends at the Midgaard Pavilion Stage.

8 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies in Solvang Park, introducing 2019 Danish Maid Gillian Nielsen. Velkommen Street Dance follows with Danish dancers performing to live music.

Saturday, Sept. 21

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Aebleskiver Breakfast on Copenhagen Drive and First Street. Cost is $8, or $9 with Danish sausage. Tickets can be purchased in advance at solvang-danish-days-2019.eventbrite.com.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Kid’s Korner in Solvang Park includes LEGOS and a supervised play and rest area.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Viking Encampment, hosted by The Ravens of Odin, includes reproductions of Viking tools and dwellings as well as historical re-enactments.

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Living History Festival includes free, interactive activities for all ages, plus artisans, craftspeople and storytellers at Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way. Visit www.elverhoj.orgfor more information.

11 a.m. – 10 p.m.: Viking Beer & Wine Garden with proceeds supporting the Solvang Danish Days Foundation.

11 a.m.– 3 p.m.: Solvang Food & Photo Tour will be led by Santa Barbara’s “Eat This, Shoot That!,” making stops at eight tasting locations. The tour will also include “foodie photo tips.” Advance ticket purchase is required. For details, see eatthisshootthat.com/tour/solvang-food-photo-tour.

11:30 a.m.: Aebleskiver Eating Contest. It’s free to compete or to watch people atthe Midgaard Pavilion eating as many aebleskiver as possible in five minutes, without using their hands. A “professional division” will include competitive eater and YouTube personality Raina Huang.

12 p.m. – 9 p.m.: Axe Throwing hosted by Axehole Vegas.

 2:30 p.m.: Danish Days Parade includes the Solvang Village Band, floats, equestrians, Village Dancers and more. Line-up starts at 1:30 p.m. on First Street between Molle Way and Oak Street. The parade first turns east on Copenhagen Drive, then north on Alisal Road, west on Mission Drive, south on Fourth Place, east on Copenhagen, south on Second Street and finishes at Oak Street near Solvang City Hall.

5 p.m.– 10 p.m.: Free Concerts featuring the Low Down Dudes and Danish Playboys Revisited on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage, adjacent to the Viking Beer & Wine Garden.

Sunday, Sept. 22

8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Aebleskiver Breakfast on Copenhagen Drive and First Street. Cost is $8, or $9 with Danish sausage. Tickets can be purchased in advance at solvang-danish-days-2019.eventbrite.com.

 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.: Kid’s Korner in Solvang Park includes LEGOS and a supervised play and rest area.

 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Viking Encampment, hosted by The Ravens of Odin, includes reproductions of Viking tools and dwellings as well as historical re-enactments.

 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Living History Festival includes free, interactive activities for all ages, plus artisans, craftspeople and storytellers at Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, 1624 Elverhoj Way. Visit www.elverhoj.orgfor more information.

 11:30 a.m.: Aebleskiver Eating Contest. It’s free to compete or to watch people atthe Midgaard Pavilion eating as many aebleskiver as possible in five minutes, without using their hands.

2 p.m.: Children’s Parade will begin at Atterdag Square and travel down Copenhagen Drive to Solvang Park. All children and families are welcome to participate in the event, free of charge, and costumes are encouraged.

2:30 p.m.: Closing Ceremony in Solvang Park, featuring Danish Days Maid Gillian Nielsen.

The post Danish Days 2019 schedule of events appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The annual Danish Days celebration drew thousands of people to Solvang to take part in all of its traditional activities, ranging from cultural and historical lessons to eating contests — mixed with a large helping of fun and entertainment.

Led by Danish Maid Christiana Heron,the weekend of Sept. 14-16 began with the Torchlight Parade on Friday night, featured the main Danish Days parade on Saturday, and closed with the charming Children’s Parade on Sunday.

In between, people at the popular aebleskiver breakfasts and aebleskiver eating contests consumed nearly 9,000 of the delicious round pancake balls.

The winning float in the Danish Days Parade, led by Grand Marshals Glen and Michele Jacobsen, was the “Float”-ing Along in Beautiful Copenhagen” entry by Nielsen Building Materials and the Andersen family. It featureda larger-than-life mermaid that epitomized the parade’s theme, “Beautiful Denmark by the Sea.”

Category winners in the Saturday parade were Birkholm’s (Best Family/Group entry, including the original 1953 Chevy delivery truck once used by Helms Bakery); the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School band (Best Musical entry); the Solvang Village Band and the Carlsberg Beer Wagon (Best Equestrian/Animal entry); and the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau (Best Miscellaneous Entry).

Among the nearly two dozen entries were three bands: the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School band; Ojai’s Nordhoff High School band, which has marched in the Danish Days Parade for more than two decades; and the ever-popular Solvang Village Band atop the Carlsberg Beer Wagon.

The Saturday and Sunday aebleskiver eating contests, which are free to enter but require eating without hands, produced an entertaining array of winners.

Saturday’s contest was dominated by touring competitive eater Raina Huang, who easily cleared the previous modern record of 18.5 aebleskiver by downing 36 of them in five minutes. Her colleague and tour mate, Nadia White, ate 22 to take third place, while Judson Clark – the former record-holder – took second by eating 23.

The Sunday winner in the “16 and up” category was Charles G. Bill Jr., 61, from Cypress, who tied another competitor with 18 and then ate three more in a tie-breaker.

Sunday’s “16 and under” category winner was Noah Meijer, who ate 10.

The nonprofit Solvang Danish Days Foundationalso announced the dates for the 84th annual Solvang Danish Days as Sept. 20-22, 2019.

More information, go to www.SolvangDanishDays.orgor use Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The post Danish Days fun ends after 9,000 aebleskiver appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.