(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — May 23, 2022) The largest Nordic festival in Southern California will return to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks on June 4 and 5 after a two-year absence caused by the pandemic.

“It’s been challenging to resurrect a large-scale community event like this post-pandemic, from reengaging volunteers to finding alternatives for performing groups and vendors that didn’t survive COVID-19–related challenges, but the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation has worked incredibly hard for nine months to make it happen,” said festival director Mindy Miller. “We are thrilled to be back with a mix of popular longtime activities, new offerings and extended hours.”

The 45th Scandinavian Festival will celebrate the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Sami people from the Arctic regions of Scandinavia. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days with music, dancing, food, crafts, demonstrations, vendors and activities for people of all ages at Buth Park and Memorial Field.

For the first time, the festival will offer a games area for competitive activities, plus Viking chess, a strategy game from the Middle Ages. People also can play Dala horse croquet and the ancient Viking game of kubb.

Children’s Stage performances include acclaimed storyteller Robert Seutter (aka True Thomas), the musician and entertainer Ross Sutter and audience-participation productions of “Three Billy Goats Gruff.” The popular ABBAFab tribute band will headline the Main Stage at 5 p.m. each day. Other Main Stage performers include…