Danish Days
Posted on September 28, 2008
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From the Santa Ynez Valley Journal:
As the weekend drew to a close, I found myself paralyzed in an æbleskiver-saturated state of bliss, still shamelessly brushing powdered sugar off my clothes. My first Danish Days had been a successful one. The weekend not only marked the annual celebration, but also my second week of living in Solvang.
Danish Days a welcoming experience
I had been waiting for an event to reveal the nature of my new town, and Danish Days certainly was it.
Some friends and I first walked onto Copenhagen during peak pedestrian traffic hours on Saturday. We bypassed the insanely long line for æbleskivers at the main breakfast tent to stand in a slightly shorter insanely long line at a nearby bakery. Forty-five minutes later, we finally had our piping-hot pancake spheres smothered in sweet jam. Everything at Danish Days seemed to be dusted in sugar, and our breakfast was no exception. Local honeybees must have known this as well, because there were bees buzzing everywhere near the food.
My friends and I flicked the bees out of our jam by use of sporks and ran down Copenhagen to save our meal. Those delightful little æbleskivers were too good to give up to any winged creature, even at risk of stinging.
From there, we sauntered like the best of them past craft booths and cheerful dance performances to the Ravens of Odin Viking camp. While perusing the Vikings and their Viking wares, I was surprised to find that people were allowed to explore the camp and approach the Vikings personally.
At other fairs, such displays would be roped off from public entry, but the encouraged interaction between Viking and Danish Day attendee made a very special experience.
Adults were just as excited to touch the Viking helmets and weapons as kids were, and a nearby Viking would amiably step in and explain the significance.
The roars of chainsaws in the distance lead us next to the wood carving area, where we marveled at the eagles, bears, and other carved creatures.
Even though they were working, the carvers would stop and strike a pose every time someone approached with a camera.
My favorite part of the Danish Days celebration, though, was the parade. Up until this point, I had noticed the genuine affability between valley citizens and visitors, but the joviality and humor displayed during the parade made me happy to call myself a local, even if only a recent one.
There were typical parade sights, such as local politicians throwing candy and riding in fancy cars, but then there were also such unique entries, I could not help myself but laugh. The handbell choir, a group I did not even know existed, made the streets ring like a living music box, the high school band made the crowd cheer heartily, especially when they saw the dog in his mascot uniform, and some young men from Apple Lane Farm handed children apples from green and red baskets.
The Viking float was a tremendous hit, so much so, it did a victory lap of the parade route; and, of course, Little Orphan Hammies with their rescued potbellied pigs put everyone in hysterics. The “Tradition & Change” float featured traditionally dressed Danes with crazy green hair or bright accessories, and the music and dancing switched back and forth from customary to contemporary.
I loved watching the children dressed in the same costumes as their grandparents, sharing in the merriment.
The phrase “Dane for a day” has been said to me countless times since my arrival two weeks ago, but after the parade, I think it is not quite true. Solvang has its own unique mix of Danish culture and valley life.
The character of the city and the graciousness of the people have roots in the Danish settlers and the people who followed them.
It was a very hospitable experience and gave me insight into the nature of my new fellow townsfolk. All that is left to say is thank you, Solvang, for welcoming me to the neighborhood.
http://www.santaynezvalleyjournal.com/archive/6/39/2909/
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