Summer Solstice Celebration Set for Estes Park - 06/12/2009

Continuous entertainment, including dancing, music, and Viking village re-enactments heralding the summer solstice will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27 and 28 in Bond Park in the heart of downtown Estes Park.

The 9:30 a.m. Saturday raising of a traditional Maypole signals the beginning of the festival. The 20-foot tall pole is festooned with live flowers and ribbons and dancers and musicians encircle the pole with lively music and dancing.

Throughout both days, dance performances by groups including the Foresmans, Boulder Scandinavian Dancers, Lindsborg Folkdanslag, Mikko Kiski and Spelemannslag will be seen. The Foresmans also teaches audience members some simple Scandinavian dances.

A tent village reminiscent of Viking days will be erected in the park by the Fjellborg Viking Reenactors who will demonstrate various Viking craft and combat skills.

At 8 p.m. on June 27 there will be an open dance led by the Boulder Scandinavian Dancers. Festivities continue on Sunday, June 28.

For more details about the festival visit www.estesmidsummer.com.

Estes Park is just four miles east of the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.