77th Annual Solvang Danish Days Parade Sweepstakes Winner Named

For the 77th time, the not-for-profit charitable Solvang Danish Days Foundation celebrated its Annual Danish Days from Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22, 2013, with the theme of “Best Danish . . . Fill in the Blank!”This three-day annual event honors the establishment of Solvang by Danish-Americans in 1911 and helps preserve Solvang’s authentic heritage. The closing ceremonies of the 77th annual Solvang Danish Days featured remarks from 2013 Danish Maid Emma Andersen, 2013 Danish Days Foundation Chair Brenda Anderson and Danish Days Media Relations Director Laura Kath.

Thousands of spectators from near and far enjoyed the main Danish Days parade on Saturday afternoon as well as the Torchlight Parade on Friday evening and the charming Children’s Parade today. More than 30 entries and 250 people participated in Saturday afternoon’s Main Parade honoring Co-Grand Marshals Birgitte Pedersen and Brenda Knudsen and coordinated by community volunteer Steen Weber. Three anonymous judges from outside of Solvang declared that all parade entries were winners this year and gave special recognition for the 2013 Sweepstakes Prize (Best Capturing the Theme) to The Andersen Family Float: “Best Danish . . . Spirit! Skaal to Family” that featured Andrew and Thora Mae Andersen of Solvang who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary accompanied by dozens of family members and toasted by a giant aquavit bottle of spirits. 2013 Danish Maid Emma Andersen is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andersen and the daughter of Ken and Allie Andersen.

The 78th annual Solvang Danish Days is scheduled for September 19-21, 2014. For more information year-round, visit www.SolvangDanishDays.org.