Scandinavians to gather to honor customs, state
Scandinavians to gather to honor customs, state

By Ann DeFrange

Published: May 15, 2008

Oh, those Scandinavians, those Swedes and Norwegians. Oh, those Finns and Icelanders.

They are proud of where their grandparents lived and what their parents passed on to them. They do know how to celebrate their lineage in the United States.

"There are a lot of Scandinavian-descent people in Oklahoma,” said Rick Sattre, who is one of them.

Sons of Norway is about 110 years old in the U.S., Sattre said. It's been active in Oklahoma City for about two years. The Scandinavian Club has been active in this city for 52 years.

The two will join for an "afternoon get-together,” also known as a "hundredth-jubilation” celebration, Sattre said, in honor of Oklahoma's centennial birthday.

Whatever your national heritage, you're invited to share their brand of northern hospitality.

From 3 until 5 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 10600 N Council, they will host a tribute to the time, more than a century ago, when Norway won its independence — from neighboring Sweden, by the way. The holiday is "a big deal in Norway,” Sattre said. But some local Swedes will be present, too.

There will be displays of Scandinavian artifacts and genealogy research by local families. There will be Scandinavian snacks and those famous Swedish cookies. And at 3:30 p.m., the Oklahoma City International Folk Dancers will perform a round of Scandinavian dances.

Oh, those cold country folks, they're warm and welcoming, and they like having people over for food and music and visiting.

You should go; it's a jubilation.

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