Vasa Park in Illinois needs your support

Countless visitors through the years can attest to the charm and welcoming spirit of this hidden gem just outside South Elgin, Ill. 

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• Vasa Park in Illinois needs your support
  Countless visitors through the years can attest to the charm and welcoming spirit of this hidden gem just outside South Elgin, Ill.
  Most fundraising events, such as the 2020 Dinner Dance and even the Scandinavian Day Festival on September 13, 2020 have been canceled for Scandinavian Park, Inc. The organization, which operates the historic 25-acre Vasa Park in South Elgin, Illinois, must adhere to all government mandates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the constantly changing nature of these directives, the Scandinavian Park Board made the decision to cancel most activities this year. It is going to be a difficult year for the park both financially and operationally.

• All events at the park are organized by the 32 members of the board and other volunteers, and proceeds are used solely for the park’s upkeep. The grounds have been an oasis for countless Scandinavians over several generations since it first opened in the mid 1950s, with Midsummer celebrations, dances and the annual Scandinavian Day Festival with a variety of entertainment, games, vendors and fun for the whole family (it’s also a time when more meatballs and Swedish pancakes are devoured by the happy and gracious crowd than anywhere else that day).

• The Scandinavian Park, Inc. NFP Board of Directors is asking for your help by donating to the park. This funding will help sustain Vasa Park operationally, until the park can once again hold events and rentals. The park has a matching gift offer from David Anthonsen and his wife Annette Seaberg. David is the Vice President of Scandinavian Park, Inc. NFP. They will match any donations to Vasa Park up to $3,000. This is incredibly generous, but is dependent on everyone joining the effort to ensure the park’s sustainability during these challenging times. If any members or friends would like to create an additional matching donation, please let Scandinavian Park President Tom Cleveland know. Tom can be reached at 815-895-2102 or groverDKB1@comcast.net.

• Any donation is welcome. Please make checks payable to Scandinavian Park, Inc. NFP and send them to Treasurer Johannes Smits, 315 Chatham Lane, Roselle, IL 60172.
  For more information on Scandinavian Park, please visit www.vasaparkil.com and www.scandinaviandayil.com.
  The Board of Directors, volunteers and countless visitors through the years thank you for your support!