Velkommen!
Winter holiday greetings!
FEATURED PHOTO - Danes love to play outdoors in winter…this Youngs River residence has jul lights on the woodshed with some sleds ready for taking advantage of new-fallen snow on the hill.
Welcome to the Lower Columbia Danish Society’s home page. We encourage everyone who is interested in Danish culture to consider joining our group. If you want to know more about us, please keep reading and explore our little website.
It’s now winter-time, so there is no better time to practice the hygge that is part of Danish culture. For our members, that includes gathering once a month in person (or virtually during January and February) to discuss Danish related topics or take part in a cultural activity. We welcome new members and new ideas for activities, so don’t by shy about dropping in on one of our meetings.
This jul hane seems like he is on skis and ready to get going!
A modern twist on the traditional Danish kransekage (crown cake) made by one of our members using sweet almond flour. This cake is typically served at weddings and other special occasions. For Jul, our member Jen colors the cake green and adds little red berries.
The Lower Columbia Danish Society is an independent organization whose mission is to promote
Danish heritage and culture
Participation in the annual Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
Activities that foster a sense of hygge and community
MEMBERSHIP - Our organization welcomes ALL who are interested in Danish heritage and culture - you do not need to be of Nordic descent to participate. At this time there is no membership fee to join us. See our CONTACT US page for membership information.
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS (BACK TO IN-PERSON) - We are based in the picturesque river-city of Astoria, Oregon, USA but we draw members from many surrounding communities in Washington and Oregon. We normally meet the first Thursday of every month at the First Lutheran Church, 725 33rd Street, Astoria, OR 97013 USA from 7 pm until about 9 pm. As of April 2022, we are back to holding in-person meetings. Our meetings begin with a short business meeting, feature an interesting Danish-themed program, and include tasty snacks for all. See OUR UPCOMING EVENTS page for future meetings.
ACTIVITIES - There are numerous fun Danish and Nordic-themed activities throughout the year in the Lower Columbia region. The Danish Society also sponsors Junior and Senior Danish Princesses for the Scandinavian Court at the Midsummer Festival. This is a great opportunity for girls and young women to be involved in community service. See our ACTIVITIES page for links to examples of what we do.
LOST AND FOUND - If you happen to forget an item from one of our events, then please contact us so we can return it to you. Just e-mail us at lowercolumbiadanes@gmail.com
Our Story
The northern Oregon/southern Washington region of the lower Columbia River and Pacific coast have a rich Scandinavian heritage because many immigrant families came here to seek a better life in America during the late 19th century and early 20th centuries. They sought jobs in fishing, logging, housekeeping, farming, and other trades.
To ensure Danish heritage and culture remain a living and vibrant part of local communities, a small group of dedicated Danes started the Lower Columbia Danish Society in 1975. The charter by-laws were drawn up in 1982.
As the daughter of one of the founding members wrote, the Lower Columbia Danish Society has provided multiple generations of members “with the means to experience aspects of Danish culture” ever since.
Come and participate in these wonderful traditions!
Preparing traditional aebleskiver for the Danish Booth at Midsummer Festival - a home-made local favorite!