The Danish Windmill in Elk Horn says “It’s going to be a big ceremony at one of the world’s smallest chapels and everyone’s invited.” “Generations of Love,” is the theme for the 36th annual celebration of Danish heritage, Tivoli Fest, which takes place Memorial Day weekend in the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa.

Couples are invited to participate in a mass wedding vow renewal ceremony that will be performed by Mayor Stan Jens outside of Morning Star Chapel, a tiny chapel built by a Danish immigrant carpenter, Charles Johann Walensky, in 1951, when he was 83 years old. The Chapel was originally located on Walensky’s property in Waterloo, Iowa, as a place for people to meditate, pray, and relax. Since 1951, there have been more than four hundred wedding ceremonies held at the Morning Star Chapel. The Chapel now stands on the historic Danish Windmill’s grounds.

The festivities will kick off Friday night with a Bachelor and Bachelorette Party at the Elk Horn Fire Station featuring the Iowa Craft Beer Tent and live music by Diego Garcia.

Saturday there will be a collection of wedding dresses and Danish immigrant wedding portraits on display at the Elk Horn Town Hall where you can sample a Danish Smørrebord. That evening is the Rehearsal Dance featuring the Iowa Craft Beer Tent and live music by Darla Hansen and her band Local Suspects.

A wedding brunch with Æbleskiver and Medisterpølse is planned for Sunday morning. A Danish Kransekage wedding cake competition will be held immediately following the vow renewal ceremony.

This event is strictly for vow renewals only and you don’t have to be Danish to participate. Each couple will receive a Tivoli Newspaper of events and a special vow renewal certificate. A small contribution of $10.00 per couple is requested to go to the Chapel’s maintenance fund. Register online at http://www.danishwindmill.com/tourist_info/renew-wedding-vows.asp.

Enjoy a weekend of Danish festivities featuring a fun run, parade, fireworks, Strøget Danish Walking Street, Viking encampment, folk dancing, food and more! Download the Tivoli Fest schedule of events at http://www.danishwindmill.com/pdf_docs/Tivoli-2016.pdf.