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2000 Events
Helan Går!
Crawfish Party 2000
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Bellaire, TX -- March 11, 2000.
The annual Swedish Club Crawfish Party was held Saturday March 11 on the front lawn of Mike and Ylva Forsten's home. As usual, our hosts did a splendid job. In only their third year of hosting the event, Mike and Ylva have perfected the logistics and execution that a successful party requires.
As hosts, Mike and Ylva (and some friends and club members) set up the tent, tables and chairs; negotiated the amount and the price of the crawfish; procured a refrigerator, a porta-potty, and lots of lanterns and candles; set up the sound system; and prepared a variety of items to complement the main course of boiled crawfish. It was a lot of work, but it sure was worth it! The evening began when Swedish Club President Peter Widmark kicked off the party with a brief welcome. From that point, the food was brought out, and the music and feasting began. Peter Widmark provided the music for the evening. There was a lot of singing that accompanied the music. As the evening went on, there was some more singing, some dancing, and a whole lot of laughter and camaraderie. The crowd was smaller this year, but the level of fun was not. It was a great party and a whole lot of fun. Plan on being a part of it next year... same time of year... same place... same good times. |
"... and a good time was had by all!"
Picnic 2000
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Houston, TX -- September 23, 2000.
We could not have asked for a more beautiful day at Bear Creek Park on Saturday September 23rd. The weather was glorious! Approximately 30 club members and families showed up for the Swedish Club picnic. It was a good afternoon to sit around and visit, and to get to know other folks in the club.
Picnics are, by nature, rather laid back events. This was no exception. We all did a lot of visiting, but there were some activities as well. Just about everyone participated in one contest or another, and we had a lot of different winners. The contests included a meat ball toss (partners throw and catch frozen Swedish meatballs), a scavenger hunt, and a water balloon toss. The contest winners each received an IKEA gift certificate. The contest winners were:
The picnic this year was a lot of fun. Plan on being a part of Picnic 2001 next Fall! |
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A Lucia Remembers Sweden
by Karoline Melrose
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Barkeryd, Sweden -- August 2000.
As I think back on my weekend in Barkeryd, I have many fond memories of the people, places and events that I experienced. My mother, my grandfather, two sisters and myself were the guests of Evert and Gunvor Jonsson. We met Evert on Saturday, August 5, at the church in the center of the village. He then took us to their lovely home and made us comfortable. The Jonssons showed us true Smålandsk hospitality.
Gunvor prepared several delicious meals, including some local specialties, and she even made vegetarian dishes just for me. Evert allowed us to explore their property so we walked in the woods, hobnobbed with the cows, and explored the historic sawmill that still stands beside the creek.
Later in the afternoon, we went to the Landbruks museum. We had a very interesting private tour. It is amazing how hard the people had to work at farming, handcrafts, etc., and it wasnt all that long ago! I really felt a connection with the people of Barkeryd, and their ancestors who emigrated to Texas after visiting the museum. Although the weather in Sweden this past summer was not very pleasant, the morning of August 6 was warm and sunny. I believe that was a good omen for the rest of the day. Inga Lisa and Gusten Calissendorff came to Barkeryd from Linköping. Inga Lisa explained what to expect for the rest of the day. As we got ready for the celebration, I went over and over my speech in my head. My grandfather had translated my English version into Swedish, and he was very patient with my pronunciation. He made me practice many times and I felt prepared. We went to the Hembygdsgård to participate in the procession, and I was amazed at how many people had come to this tiny town for the festival. This is the closest thing to a traffic jam this town has ever seen! I was taken down the road to my parade position, which was in the bed of an historic horse-drawn wagon. My mom, grandpa, and sisters marched toward the front of the procession waving Texas and American flags. As we approached the festival grounds, an announcement was made welcoming the 1999 Texas Lucia! I felt so proud to be representing the Swedish Club. After some music, speeches, and other entertainment, Inga Lisa introduced me, and I gave my speech. I was nervous, but I think it went well. My mother said the crowd looked like they understood me. As a result of my trip to Sweden, I have developed a greater appreciation of my Swedish heritage, and for the many sacrifices that were made by those who came to the states for a better life. I wish that more young people would connect with their roots and appreciate their forefathers customs and traditions. I will never forget this wonderful experience. Thank you to the Swedish Club for allowing me the privilege of representing you, to SAS Airlines for their generosity in providing my air transportation, to Evert and Gunvor Jonsson for their hospitality, to Inga Lisa Calisendorff and Liz Cadwallader for all their help, and last, but not least, thank you to my family for all their support. |
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