Sankt Hans Aften (St. John’s Eve) is the annual summer solstice event that has been celebrated since the times of the Vikings. Although it is traditionally held on June 23 in Denmark, the Museum of Danish America marks the occasion annually on the Saturday before. This year, the celebration will occur on Saturday, June 21 at the museum (2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, Iowa).

Museum of Danish America

The atmosphere of friends gathering together makes this one “hyggeligt” (or, cozy) event. Some of the highlights include:

· A roast-your-own hot dog meal that’s available for your free will donation beginning at 6 p.m. in the large Council Ring, and throughout the evening as supplies last. Danish-style toppings will be provided.

· 7 p.m. Ringriding on bicycles for kids and adults – BYOB (Bring Your Own Bicycle). This event was such a hit at Tivoli Fest that it will be continued for children AND adults at Sankt Hans Aften.

· 7:30 p.m. Showing of the new documentary film “Jens Jensen The Living Green” about the park’s namesake who rose from street sweeper to “dean of landscape architects” to pioneering conservationist. The film will be shown inside the museum in the Bro Dining Room. Find out more about this award-winning film at http://www.jensjensenthelivinggreen.org/

Then, have your chairs and blankets handy for:

· 8 p.m. Live old-time country music for maximum “hygge.”

· Sunset (around 9 p.m.) marks the beginning of the traditional Sankt Hans Aften bonfire.

All elements of the celebration are a “Free Will Donation” to the Museum of Danish America, a 501(c)3 non-profit. This year’s event is also sponsored by the Danish Brotherhood in America Lodge #15 (Des Moines, Iowa), Marne Elk Horn Telephone Company, Shelby County State Bank, and the Heartland Chapter of the Rebild National Park Society.