This year marks the 155th day of fun at the country church
Ruth Bylander | Contributor
Fantastic fiddles, barbershop harmonies and food take the stage for Midsommar at Dalesburg on Friday, June 20.
The 155th Midsommar at Dalesburg will offer a day of music, food, fun and fellowship at the rural church. Dalesburg Lutheran Church is located (from Beresford) five miles west and eight miles south of Highway 46 on University Road. The annual celebration is one of the oldest, longest-running summer festivals in the state. Midsommar marks the summer solstice and is modeled after the Midsommar celebrations in Sweden that take place between the 19th and 25th of June.
At Dalesburg, the day begins with a 3 pm program inside the air-conditioned church. At that program, hear award-winning musician Kristian Bugge of Denmark and Ruthie Dornfeld of Seattle and their Dakota Friends playing an array of Scandinavian folk music.
Then, sample pie or other snacks at the SDSU Ice Cream Truck and check out area arts and crafts scattered around the church lawn.
A delicious homemade meal, with meatballs, potatis korv (potato sausage), and other Scandinavian specialties will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 (cash or check only for the meal).
At 7 pm, a concert on the north lawn (please bring your own lawn chairs) will feature music, the raising of the Midsommar Pole and folk dancing for all.
At that 7 p.m. program, hear Kristian Bugge and Ruthie Dornfeld again, and then also enjoy the harmonious southeast South Dakota voices of the Tri-Valley Chorus barbershop singers.
Dalesburg Lutheran Church was founded by Swedish immigrants to South Dakota. A gathering has been held at the church for 155 years. Proceeds from the event are used to support area charities and projects.
Valkommen!