Oct. 7, 2005

Dana College’s annual Scandinavian festival to offer food, music, crafts and more

Dana College has announced the schedule for its annual Scandinavian-themed festival, Sights & Sounds of Christmas, Dec. 3 and 4, 2005. This year’s festival features a celebration of the 200th birthday of Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen.

The two-day festival is packed with concerts, food, exhibits, demonstrations, crafts and more. Designed to be family-friendly, all of the festival events are entertaining for all ages. Visitors can gain entry to more than 20 different events with the purchase of a Sights & Sounds button for just $5.

The buttons will be available at the door to every event during the festival, but reservations are encouraged for the famous Scandinavian Smorgasbord ($15.50 for adults through reservation — $17.50 at the door, and $7 for children under 12). This year Dana is offering seven limited settings of the Smorgasbord. The selections include authentic Scandinavian cuisine, including frikadeller (meat balls), medisterpølse (sausage) and salmon, as well as 22 additional items carefully selected and prepared in consultation with chefs trained in Scandinavian foods.

Reservations can be made by visiting the event’s web site, www.dana.edu/sightsandsounds, or by calling the Dana College Relations Office, (402) 426-7216. Seats for the Smorgasbord are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if visitors have a specific time in mind, they are encouraged to make reservations early. Times for the Smorgasbord are 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, and 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4.

Events in this year’s festival include:

WORSHIP

• Start the festival on Sunday with us as we give thanks for another year of growth, success and learning at Dana College. Sunday, 10 a.m.

HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN EVENTS

• Hans Christian Andersen Living History Reenactor will delight young and old by portraying the eccentric writer of “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and other beloved tales. Sunday, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Hans Christian Andersen Shared Oral Readings lets you and your family enjoy some of the most-loved children’s stories in the world. Sunday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• The Christmas Storyteller will delve into some of Denmark’s poems, stories and tales. Sunday, noon, 2 p.m.
• Hans Christian Andersen Display from the Danish Immigrant Museum (Elk Horn, Iowa) & Blair’s Arbor Park School Display will show some other perspectives on the famous Dane. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GREAT PERFORMANCES

• “A Christmas Proposal,” this year’s theatrical production, is another original one-act holiday-themed play by Dana’s own Dr. Paul Schneider. Saturday, 2 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.
• “Sounds of Christmas Concert,” featuring Dana’s acclaimed musical ensembles, the Dana College Chorale and Dana College Concert Band. Join the Dana College Chorale, conducted by Richard Palmer and accompanied by Clare Cowing, as they again create the beauty and inspiration of a very special season of the year! Thrill to the majesty of Randol Bass’s “GLORIA” for chorus, organ and percussion while experiencing the intimacy and grace of such favorites as “Still, Still, Still,” and “Silent Night.” Whether you are a returning or new listener, come and begin this Christmas time with us as we present great music in Dana’s breath-taking setting! The Dana College Concert Band will present old and new holiday favorites in an inspiring and beautiful presentation of Christmas music. Hear Dana’s best musicians lift your spirits to new heights! Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m.
• The Santa Lucia Singers are a special Dana women’s ensemble formed especially for Sights & Sounds. They sing beautiful Danish holiday songs while reenacting beloved Christmas traditions. Saturday, 6 p.m. (must have tickets to Smorgasbord); Sunday, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 6:15 p.m. (must have tickets to Smorgasbord)
• Blair Dance Center will perform liturgical dance as well as ballet and holiday-themed selections. Sunday, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Mezzo Forté returns to Sights & Sounds with their patented blend of Holiday favorites jazzed up with a contemporary feel. Sunday, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• The First Lutheran Hand Bell Choir will provide a unique and fascinating take on our favorite holiday carols. Sunday, noon and 2 p.m.
• Dana College’s own ventriloquist Vern Wirka brings a new element to Sights & Sounds with his alter-ego puppet friends. Sunday, noon and 3 p.m.
• Scandinavian Folk Dancers, a Sights & Sounds favorite, return for another year of traditional dance and fun. Sunday, noon and 2 p.m.
• Guest Choir Performances by Omaha Christian Academy Mixed Chorus and Tekamah-Herman High School Mixed Chorus are a not-to-be-missed concert. Sunday, 2 p.m.

CRAFTS

• Swedish Weavers & Scandinavian Crafts: Marvel at the Scandinavian techniques of Omaha Weavers & Spinners guild and others as they demonstrate their crafts. Adults & children can try their hand at weaving on a loom. Finished work for sale. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SALES

• Jule Markedsplad (A Christmas Marketplace) returns this year with crafts and gifts from local artists. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Books are Fun Sale: Books for all ages are 40 to 70 percent off retail prices, from all major publishers. A percent of the proceeds support Sights & Sounds. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Danish Plate Sale: Check out year plates from Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grundahl collection from 1896 to 1990. Fair market price with proceeds supporting the stained glass windows in Trinity Chapel. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Fine Art Print Sale: A large collection of fine art prints from various North American contemporary artists, reasonably priced. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dana Bookstore & Gifts: Selections of Scandinavian books, gifts, food, Christmas ornaments, papercuts, napkins and Dana insignia items are available. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Student Art Exhibit & Sale: Have a cup of hot cider, and enjoy the fine works of watercolor, acrylics, pottery and photography of Dana students. Some items available for sale. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dana College is a place where all students actively participate. They make things happen — in their own lives and in the lives of others. Through a highly supportive faculty and campus community, Dana students develop interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and other important values and knowledge as they make choices about their future. Dana’s outstanding academic programs in business, education, art and social work, among others, ensure that students have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to pursue challenging careers or placement in graduate school.

Dana College is a private, liberal arts institution in Blair, Neb. To learn more, visit www.dana.edu.

Dana College: Develop talents, Take charge, Build a future — We’re with you all the way.

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For more information contact:

Sarah Cavanah
Communications Coordinator
Dana College
(402) 426-7216
scavanah@dana.edu