The LEGO company was started in Billund, Denmark over 75 years ago by Have you ever wanted to see a Viking up close and personal?? Vikings are the Norse (Scandinavian) explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided and colonized wide areas of Europe from the late eighth century to the early eleventh century. These Norsemen used their famed longships to travel as far east as Constantinople and the Volga River in Russia, and as far west as Iceland, Greenland, and Newfoundland. The Wachovia Atrium Plaza will be raided by Vikings for a whole day of sword fighting, craftsmanship and fun for all. Visitors are welcome to try on their gear, feel the heavy armor and battle equipment.  You can learn about the Viking era, talk to the Vikings and take pictures.

Did you know that the Little Mermaid, like LEGOs, is from Denmark?? A Scandinavian festival would not be complete without the beloved fairytale character created by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. First published in 1837, the story of a young mermaid who falls in love with a human prince after she saves him from a near-drowning has been retold countless times over the years, perhaps most famously as an animated Disney movie and stage musical. 

 

This year ScanFest is inviting all children to participate in a Little Mermaid or Viking Look-A-Like Contest. ScanFest is also home to the Nordic Kids’ Korner, where children of all ages can Fish at the Baltic Sea and win fun prizes, play with LEGOs, enjoy a beanbag toss, or just relax by coloring Scandinavian themed pictures. This year ScanFest’s Nordic Kids’ Korner will host a Panda Licorice Coloring Contest with a chance to win plush Panda bears. Free samples of Panda Licorice, which is an all-natural candy made in Finland, will also be available to visitors.

 

AT SCANFEST YOU CAN TOUR FIVE COUNTRIES IN SEVEN HOURS

For the 6th year in a row SAGA of the Carolinas, a nonprofit organization, will bring ScanFest of the Carolinas to you! No need to take a long flight and deal with the effects of jet lag!!  Just find your way to the Wachovia Atrium at 301 S. Tryon Street on Saturday, November 7, 2009, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.

 

The day will include entertainment, food and celebrations that represent the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. All the country exhibits will highlight the history of folklore and costume design unique to the various regions of Scandinavia. This year ScanFest is proud to feature Denmark, the southernmost country in Scandinavia and the oldest monarch in Europe. Not only did Denmark bring us LEGOs and the Little Mermaid, but such notable personalities as Victor Borge – famed pianist and humorist, Helena Christensen - supermodel, Lars Ulrich – drummer for the band Metallica, and Morten Andersen – NFL kicker and all-time leading points scorer, all hail from the small country of Denmark.  Denmark has been named the “Happiest Place on Earth” – come to ScanFest and discover why!

More Information:

www.scandinavianconnection.org

info@scandinavianconnection.org

written and submitted by:

Sanna-Maija Tucker, Executive Director of SAGA of the Carolinas, a non-profit organization

Jennifer Terada, Editor of The Midnight Sun, the official publication of SAGA of the Carolina