Three yearly events
Yearly Events
We arrange for three events annually. Each event is sponsored by a different Swedish organization so each picnic is unique and different. We are happy to share Swedish culture and each of the sponsor organizations are non-profits and appreciate your support and participation. The Viking Village Camp is open only to youth Vasa Members and we look forward to you joining our organization. Tack så mycket! Thank you very much!
Note: Vasa Park is not open to the general public, and is available for private, exclusive, members-only use.
Spring Picnic & Car Show
The beginning of spring is celebrated with a family day for Vasa Members. There is a waffle breakfast starting at 10:00 a.m. with strawberries and whipped crème and Swedish coffee. The park water sports are open: swimming pool, water slide, Alpine tube slide, also the bounce house, rock climbing and gem mining. A catered lunch and beverage booth is available. There is entertainment, Viking reenactment group and special displays with a car exhibit of Swedish Volvo, Fiat vehicles and Swedish Car Clubs participating.
For more information go to www.VasaDL15.org. Sponsored by the Vasa Order of America District 15 Pacific Southwest.
Viking Village
Annually, following the Midsummer Picnic we hold a one week camp for youth age 8 to 14 related to parents and grandparents who are members of Vasa Order of America. We also offer a Youth Counselor opportunity for those above age 14. The week long camp is held at Vasa Park and held in conjunction with Camp Keystone where our campers get to engage with new friends. The Viking Village camp is a Swedish language and food experience with special activities and a field trip.
In 2017 our Youth Counselors had the opportunity to attend a two week Swedish Language Camp in Sweden. The Vasa Park Association sponsored the camp with a $25,000 Scholarship Fund.
Thank you for your continued support!!
Pictures from Viking Villages over the years
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Midsummer Picnic
Midsummer in California is celebrated with the coming of summer in June. A Midsummer Queen is selected and crowned. Also selected is a Svea, representing Sweden, a Columbia, representing the United States, and the princesses are part of the court.
On a Sunday in late June there is an outdoor festival in Vasa Park in Agoura Hills with the raising of the Maypole, a program of singing and folk dancing…and the Midsummer Court reigns. It’s a festival time with fun and celebration, and it is observed here every year on the weekend closest to June 24th.
Midsummer Celebration – Originally sponsored by the Swedish American Central Association of Southern California, (organized in 1920) to encourage the preservation of Swedish culture, traditions, and customs. In addition to sponsoring the annual Midsummer Festival, they endeavored to promote interest in various Scandinavian activities and events. Presently, our celebration is sponsored by the Vasa Park Association.
Midsummer was historically celebrated to honor John the Baptist. Today, Midsummer in Sweden is the celebration of the end of the winter season and the beginning of sunshine and warmer temperatures. It is a time for rejoicing, for dancing and singing and for enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. After the snow and the cold winter have passed, the flowers are in bloom, the sun is warm and the people begin to think of the parks, the lakes, the beaches and the holidays for the family. It is a beautiful and joyful time of the year. It is summer in Sweden.
Scandinavian Autumn Fest
In fall is the last event of the season – AutumnFest Hostmarknad-Fall Market and Swedish Meatball Contest. Traditionally Scandinavian vendors and artisans participate with their specialty items. There are Scandinavian musicians, demonstrations, Scandinavian Folk Dancers and a Viking reenactment group share stores about Viking time.
Breakfast is available at 9:00 a.m. with the opening ceremonies at 10:00 a.m. At 12:00 Noon is the Swedish Meatball Contest where the winner is chosen by people choice and the winner’s name is added to the event trophy. The food court includes a catered lunch with a variety of food items along with the beverage booth and Kaffe Stuga-Cabin with Scandinavian sweets and various vendors with tastes of Scandinavia.
The days’ activities typically include swimming, waterslide, Alpine tube slide, bounce house, gem mining, train, rock wall climbing, field games, professional DJ MC, pie eating contest and so much more! Come out to meet the LA Kubb Team and learn to play Kubb.
It’s a fun day for Vasa members. Sponsored by the Vasa Park Association.
Note: Vasa Park is not open to the general public, and is available for private, exclusive, members-only use.