Midsummer at Poulsbo, Washington

June 18, 2022

Here we are in Poulsbo, Washington, also known as “Little Norway”. This little town on Liberty Bay is just east of Seattle on the Kitsap peninsula. It was settled by Norwegian immigrants in the 1800’s. It is now mainly a tourist town and port.

This is Saturday and the Sons of Norway are celebrating Midsummer or the Summer Solstice. This was once a pagan ritual, but with the coming of Christianity to Scandinavia, they now celebrate the birth of John the Baptist.

At noon, many volunteers are decorating the Midsummer Pole with leaved branches. Once the leaves are all tied on, many flowers are added to the pole.

While this is happening, the local Sons of Norway folk dancers entertain us with dances from Scandinavian countries. The classes performing range from kindergarten to teens.

Then comes the rising of the 30 foot pole, which is quite the process.

At 7 pm there is the lighting of the bonfire. We all are waiting for the Sons of Norway volunteers, dressed as Vikings parade down the main street and then gather around and light the bonfire. It was quite fun to watch.