Membership
medlemskap
What does it mean to become a member? There are a lot of great reasons to support the Scandinavian Cultural Foundation with a purchase of a membership. It’s not just about the fancy pin that you’ll get with your membership purchase, though that is a really good reason. More information about this year’s pin below.
Your annual membership helps fund the year-round cultural events that so many of us love and celebrate. From our Yule Fest Light Parade in the dark of winter, to our annual Scandinavian Festival at the height of summer. When you become a member, you’re investing in your community’s cultural heritage, keeping it alive and well, so future generations can experience this living history in a real and meaningful way.
With every membership purchased, it means so much to the non-profit organization. A membership commitment says, “we value these events and stand behind the volunteers who run it.”
When shopping for a membership, know that your support makes a difference. There are multiple levels of membership, and every purchase is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your contribution. Scandinavian Cultural Foundation members are special people that are held in high regard in our community.
The Tomte is an important part of Scandinavian folklore and we are excited to be featuring them on our next set of Junction City Scandinavian Festival membership pins.
The next series of Junction City Scandinavian Festival membership pins are here! The Tomte will be featured with an animal they are frequently pictured with in folklore. The Tomte (so named in Sweden, Tonttu in Finland, Nisse in Norway and Denmark) is a loyal, mischievous house elf with a sense of humor, who takes an active role in taking care of farms and homes. The folklore somewhat varies in each country, though they have a similar role and appearance. A Tomte is fond of cleanliness and order, but can be short tempered and impulsive, especially if they think they are being spied on. They are hard to spot because of their small size and work primarily at night. They do not want to be paid in money or goods, but do want compensation. What do they require in return for their efforts? Why, rice porridge with butter of course! If they do not receive “payment”, they become very grumpy and may retaliate by punishing the farm’s owner. They may chase the farm animals, steal items, or play tricks. Although the Tomte is small in size, they possess great strength, a love for work, passion for chores and affection for children. You will often see the Tomte with a pig, goat, chicken, cat or dog as they love animals. Hosting a Tomte can be helpful and bring luck to their homestead, as long as they are fed! The Tomte is an important part of Scandinavian folklore and we are excited to be featuring them on our next set of Junction City Scandinavian Festival membership pins.