With thousands of eager guests from all over the state flocking to Story City, Iowa, the city is spending the weekend hosting Scandinavian Days 2012.
From June 1 to 3, Story City has relocated the popular festival to North Park, along the Skunk River. The Scandinavian Days Committee felt it right to use North Park for 2012’s festival as it coincides with the upcoming 100 anniversary of the legendary 1913 Antique Carousel. The carousel saw much use over the weekend as the event’s patrons have lined up by the dozens to experience the fun.
Among other activities, such as a dunk tank and fireworks, one of the highlights of the festival was the parade. On Saturday morning and featuring an hour of candy-throwing, car-showing entertainment for the families and friends grouped along Broad Street, the parade kicked off with a tribute to the men and women who drive Iowa’s emergency response vehicles.
Parade attendee Joseph Webber of Boone sat along Broad Street with his family to get one of the best views of the show. “This is my first time at this festival; I very much enjoyed seeing all of the different types of Police cars, especially the Camaro,” Webber said. “We’re looking forward to checking out the carousel later today.”
When the parade came to a close, the aggregate of onlookers moved from their lawn chairs and picnic blankets to the merchandise and food sections of the festival. Everything from home-baked goods to sunglasses and crafting supplies were sold by local vendors under their tents. Those who weren’t shopping rode the carousel, walked the park’s many paths and got a bite to eat at the many food trailers and tents.
In addition to the activities to do at the festival, the musical titled “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” was performed at 7 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Story City Theater/Grand Opera House at 512 Broad St. Iowa State’s Julie Ferrell said this is her fourth year in the musical. “The show is all about dancing and other little quirky things,” Ferrell said. “My favorite part of the Scandinavian Days festival is getting the whole cast together, as well as being on a float in the parade.”
The festival ended with a disc golf tournament rounding off the last day of the celebration.
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