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.

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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

The post Culture, customs flourish at Danish Days celebration appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

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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.

SYV Star Intern

Danish Days was wrapped up in adorable fashion again this year with the Children’s Parade on Sunday afternoon, highlighting and celebrating the community’s children.

With huge smiles on their faces, children walked or rode decorated bicycles or wagons down the streets of Solvang while waving to a cheering audience.

“​The Children’s Parade was a nice way to help end the event with something short and sweet,” said Donna Andersen Ineman, a coordinator of the event since 1996. She has seen all her kids participate in the parade and has watched the event grow over the years.

Photo by Kyah Corff

About 50 children of all ages made the short journey down Copenhagen Drive to Alisal Road, then back through an alley to Solvang Park. The route is intentionally kept short so kids can walk or ride without getting too tired.

The parade was led by the 2016-2018 Danish Maids — Christiana Heron, Gabriella Heron and Natalya Nielsen. Children followed on bikes, in wagons, on foot, and throwing candy. The SYV Jazz Band also had a float, trumpeting the parade around.

The parade ended with ice cream donated by Ingeborg’s Chocolate Shop, ribbons for participants, and Danish Days festivities in Solvang Park.

Nine-year-old Warren Crawford enjoyed riding his bike in the parade because he could “ride on the streets without being scared of cars” and because “I love ice cream!”

The best part of the event, for most, was the joy in the children’s smiles as they were applauded by the crowd. “Who doesn’t like to see a smile on a child’s face? They love the attention and the ribbons,” Anderson Ineman said.

Also participating in the parade was Ashlee Madrid, the 1999 Danish Maid, with her daughters Adeline and Aleena Madrid. She has continued being involved in the community and her daughters have been in the parade since they were newborns.

“It gives them roots in their culture and a chance to celebrate all the wonderful things about being Danish,” said Ashlee, explaining her love for the Children’s Parade.

“I wanted to be in the parade because I like to walk down the streets and see everyone … It’s just fun!” added 10-year-old Adeline.

Kyah Corff is a senior at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School.

The post Children’s Parade ends weekend with big smiles appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

There is still time to have your children join in the annual Danish Days Children’s Parade. Decorate your childrens’ bikes, scooters, or wagons (walking is also welcome) and have them participate in this popular event. The parade will end in Solvang Park.

Children of all ages are invited to participate. The parade will start at 2 p.m. from the grass area at the intersection of Atterdag and Molle Way. Please meet there around 1:30 PM on Sunday, Sept. 16 for registration.

The parade route extends down Copenhagen to Alisal, then through the alley way to Solvang Park. There the children’s parade will end with a Special Ice Cream Treat donated by Solvang’s own Ingeborg’s Chocolate Shop, parade ribbons, and terrific entertainment.

Call Donna Andersen Ineman at 805-705-2118 with any questions.

The post Children’s Danish Days Parade scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Contributing Writer

Growing up in the Santa Ynez Valley, Christiana Heron dreamed of the day she might become the Danish Maid presiding over Solvang’s popular Danish Days Festival — just as three generations of women in her family, including two sisters, had done.

This year her dream came true, even though for few moments, it seemed like all her hopes would be dashed.

“I was kind of crushed for a second. I didn’t think I could be a maid,” she said, because she heard about a rule that allowed only one member of a family to serve as the maid.

However, the Solvang Danish Days Foundation, which chooses the Danish Maid each year, had rescinded that rule.

In 1961, Christiana’s grandmother, Ann Nielsen, served as the first official “greeter” to the festival that’s held every September, which, at the time, also coincided with Solvang’s 50th anniversary.

After that anniversary celebration, the post of Danish Maid was officially created. This year, Christiana, 17, joins her mother, Betina Nielsen Heron (1988) and sisters Gabrielle Heron (2017) and Angelique Heron (2014) as the face of the annual festival.

“I always wanted to be maid,” Heron said of the title. “It’s been cool because I am the last woman in my family to finish a tradition.”

“It’s been a real bonding experience for my family.”

Danish Days began as an event honoring the 1911 establishment of Solvang by Danish-Americans, and this year’s 82nd annual event will run for three days from Friday to Sunday, Sept. 14-16, with Heron presiding over the festivities that include authentic food, music, dancing, parades, live entertainment and family activities.

This year’s Danish Days theme — Beautiful Denmark by the Sea — recognizes Denmark’s historical and cultural connection to the sea, according to organizers.

Christiana’s great-grandfather, Axel Nielsen, was a part of the beginnings of the event, and her great-great-grandparents, Marcus and Andrea Nielsen, who emigrated from Mors, Denmark, were among the early immigrant settlers of Solvang.

The teen said she and her sisters grew up working at the weekend festival that showcases Solvang’s heritage and celebrates its culture and that she has enjoyed learning more about her ancestors this year through her service as Danish Days Maid 2018.

“It has been in our family (for a long time),” Christiana said of Danish Days. “We have got the drill down.”

She said her favorite part of the entire process so far has been designing her Danish Maid dress, which the teen wanted to set her apart from her sisters, mother and grandmother. Her red and olive-green Danish Maid dress was custom-made and hand-sewn, like so many before hers, by Roberta Skidmore of Solvang.

“I wanted something that was unique to me,” she said. “A lot of it (the colors) was my personal preference … not historical. It was cool to put it all together and design it.”

Leading up to this year’s Danish Days weekend, the teen has been selling raffle tickets at the weekly Solvang Farmers Market. She will also appear at events for the Danish Brotherhood, the Danish Sisterhood, the Vikings of Solvang and at valley Rotary Club meetings, where she will speak about Danish Days events and represent her Danish lineage.

As Danish Maid 2018, Christiana is most looking forward to the public speaking aspects of her duties, as she believes that will help her prepare for future endeavors, she said.

She is entering her senior year at Santa Ynez Valley Union High, where she participates in track and field. She also plays AYSO soccer, is a part of her church’s youth group, on the student leadership team there, and a member of the worship band. She often volunteers at the local humane society.

Christiana’s long-standing family history with Danish Days also includes the appointment of her cousin, Natalya Nielsen, as the 2016 Danish Maid. Her great-grandparents — Axel and Margaret Nielsen — served as Danish Days Parade grand marshals in 1971 and in 2010, and her grandparents, Roger and Ann Nielsen, have also been grand marshals. Other family members have also been involved with the event and the foundation over the years.

For more information about this year’s Danish Days, visit www.SolvangDanishDays.org.

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