Solvang | Julie Moree's News Watch

September 18, 2017

81st Annual Danish Days In Solvang

The pot belly pig was back in the parade this year as it celebrated 25 years as a company.

And Herbie made an appearance down Mission Drive.

As well as the horse drawn carriage that takes people around the city daily for a small fee.

This year’s Danish Maid, Gabrielle Heron holds tradition as her mother, sister and cousin were all previous Danish maids and her gown was especially designed after her mother’s.

Vikings were in the house as always with their ship rolling down main street.

And this year’s grand marshal was one of the original founders of Solvang Petti Pfau.

There was even more to see in the Artisian Marketplace from 10-4.

Iron knitting to create beautiful jewelry.

And handpainted fans and bookshelf were also sold at the maketplace.

And heading the parade celebrating, “How Sweet it is.”, the color guard carried both the California Flag and the Danish one down Mission Drive.

In the Viking Encampment visitors could see just how the Vikings lived.

And children got to see the weapons that they used as well.

December 5, 2016

Holiday Cheer in Solvang, California

This year’s Julefest on December 2, 2016. It’s theme, “Celebrating Together”, was co-hosted by Tracy Farhang, executive director of the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau and Alan Satchwell, worship leader at the Santa Inez Valley Presbyterian Church. They welcomed hundreds of visitors and residents to the iconic Hans Christian Anderson Park for a night of hot chocolate, pictures with Santa and performances by local musicians and dancers who entertained as they waited for the tree to be lit in the center of the park.

The Grand marshals for this year’s festivities were the Neilson Family, a familiar whose heritage goes back 105 years as being one of the founding settlers in the Danish Village.

The stage was set as music filled the Hans Christian Anderson Park beginning at 5 p.m on Dec. 3 for a holiday tradition.

The Valley Ensemble directed by Stephanie Douglas played classic holiday tunes for a full 30 minute set.

Christmas lights illuminated the main street through the villiage.

the stage also was decked out with lights for the occasion.

At 6:50 the tree was lit up with ballerinas dancing around it gracefully.

Music Performance included ballet and tap dancing courtesy of the Fossmall dancers, musical performances by the Santa Ines Valley Jazz Band as well as the Valley Wind Ensemble and an extra special performance by World renown Violinist Maurice Skahill and resident pianist, Leta Wright. Watch the video for a sample of the performances below.

And the fun didn’t stop because Santa’s village was open all weekend Dec 2-4 and is open select weekends up to Christmas free of charge, as well as the annual Winterfest Parade which commenced Saturday Dec 3, 2016 around the edge of the Danish Village of Solvang.

The Winterfest parade commenced at 11 am down Mission Drive in Solvang, CA and went around the outer edges of the danish village.

Floats including this viking ship reminded crowds of the heretage of the village.

And the Solvang trolley allowed people and up close look while being pulled down the road in a horse drawn trolley.

Solvang, as one of the oldest danish areas is also very much dog friendly as one of the dog boarding places marched its four legged friends proudly in the parade.

one of the local bands, carried tunes down the parade route.

The annual Christmas Nativity Pageant shared the message while letting people know about the upcoming free performances next Saturday in the outdoor theater.

This year’s theme for the parade and yulefest is “Celebrating together”.

Local radio stations, were also decked out for the holiday season.

Motorcycles carried the message and brought in the big guy.

This year’s Danish Maid Natylia Neilson and the Neilson Family who recieved the ultimate honor of grand marshall rode in style in the Winterfest parade.

And of course Santa Claus himself welcomed the holiday season officially culminating the end of the parade.

Solvang is known worldwide as the third most popular Christmas destination.

September 23, 2016

80 Years of Danish Days in Solvang, Calif.

As previously reported, this year marks its 80th year and the little Danish town of Solvang, located just north of Santa Barbara, California is still coming together as a community to celebrate their annual Danish Days over the three day weekend on the third weekend in September from the 18th to the 20th.

The Healing Hearts Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates animals so that they can live normal lives.

This little goat who has trouble moving his back legs was brought out for people to see and pet in the Hans Christian Anderson Park.

The color guard carried both the American and Danish flag in the Danish Days parade.

This year’s Danish Maid is Natalya Nielsen, of Nielson Market who grew up in the Solvang community and who’s family has been involved in Danish Days since 1911.

Bands including the Nordoff High School Marching Band marched in the parade that celebrates danish heritage in the town.

The culture of the Vikings alao play a key role in the Danish Days parade as this boat made its way down the street.

And the neighborhood actor Randel McGee as Hans Christian Anderson rode in his car for all to see.

Folk dancers entertained crowds both in the parade and in the villiage with Danish Dancing.

Motorcycles trailed behind wearing viking attire for all to see.

And lego was a proud sponsor this year as they celebrated generations of fun and allowed kids to put together lego projects.

The Carlsberg Pilsner band of veterans performed both in the parade and in the villiage.

The Old World Artisans was a place where different trades including jewelry and more could showcase what Solvang shops do best.

In addition wood work was on display as visitors could watch them at work.

This turtle was crafted out of a tree trunk on that very day.

There was live entertainment including Danish dancers, a youth band and a bit of rock and roll to conclude the evening.

Saturday’s festivities concluded with a music concert by a local band called Echoswitch on the Midgaard Pavilion Stage.

Danish concert from Julie White on Vimeo.

February 28, 2014February 28, 2014

“Where Art and Nature Meet” in Solvang, Calif.

Located at the edge of Solvang, Calif., the Wildling Museum opened its doors to the public August 2013 and merges art and nature in three floors of artwork from local artists.

The museum is open to the public Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 11-5 and Saturday and Sunday, 10-5.

For just 5 dollars a person, visitors can see oil paintings such as this one, displaying unique pictures of nature through art.

For more information, including upcoming events, visit the Wildling Museum online.

Art like this one is available to view on the second floor where special events are also held.

Sculptures like this one depicting a mother whale and her calf are on exhibit on the second floor near the Hawaiian birds.

On February 22, 2014, James Wapotich shared images and information of the Condor Trail that runs through the Los Padres National Forest from Lake Piru in Ventura County and up past Santa Barbara County.

Photographs like this one depicting nature through art, is on display on the third floor of the museum.

Sculptures like this one depicting a mother whale and her calf are on exhibit on the second floor near the Hawaiian birds.

On February 22, 2014, James Wapotich shared images and information of the Condor Trail that runs through the Los Padres National Forest from Lake Piru in Ventura County and up past Santa Barbara County.

Photographs like this one depicting nature through art, is on display on the third floor of the museum.

Solvang…

One of the oldest destinations based on Denmark and Scandinavian History, found just two hoursNorth of Los Angeles.

Artifacts inside Museum — Photo taken by Julie Moree, an old fashioned stove inside museum including a couple pairs of shoes of danish origins.

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As previously reported, it is home to the Santa Ines Mission.

Sign for Elverhoj Museum — Elverhoj stands for the name of Denmark’s most famous folk play, translated as “Elves’ hill”.

On the opposite side of Solvang, just within walking, there is another museum that shows a different side of the city’s history.

The Elverhoy Musuem of History and Art gives visitors a look into the home of its founders, an internationally recognized painter and sculptor, Viggo Brandt- Erichsen and his wife. The collection of houses that make up the museum contain antiques including a spinning wheel as well as a collection of painting and sculptures.

It’s “one of the few museums outside Denmark, devoted to the Danish- American experience” and it’s free to experience while in Solvang.