There’s a dedicated group of Danes with a small sprinkling of some “non- planning” for reviving Solvang’s “Rebild National Park Society” chapter.
We met at Bit O’Denmark Restaurant, and it’s apparent that the ball is rolling in the right direction. If the group is unfamiliar to you, here’s some history.
Chartered in 1976, the Solvang chapter met regularly until COVID threw a monkey wrench into the group’s gears. As many Valley social and philanthropic groups did, we lost the struggle to the resulting quarantines and isolation.
Sadly, many will not return.
Not so with stalwart and hardy Danes. Our initial meeting was well attended.
To fill you in, Rebild National Park Society, or “Rebild” — its shortened moniker, was founded in Denmark in 1912 by Dr. Max Henius, a Chicago-based Danish immigrant. His efforts led to the purchase of 200 acres of heather-covered hills in Northern Jutland.
Created to foster friendship and cultural ties through annual Fourth of July celebrations in Denmark’s beautiful Rebild Hills, the park was gifted to King Christian X as a permanent memorial and natural space.
Rebild is the only official or major site where Fourth of July celebrations are held outside of the U.S. It typically draws thousands of attendees annually, often ranging from 1,000 to over 2,000 in recent years.
In 2012, as many as 7,500 celebrated Rebild’s 100th anniversary. The program, which takes place over four days, is tailored to the society’s commitment to celebrating ties with America.
Event speakers have included royalty, successful leaders in business, actors, and a scattering of politicos, including Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Walt Disney, Walter Cronkite, Danny Kaye and Chief Justice Earl Warren, alongside Danish royalty and top diplomats.
The tradition highlights our Danish-American friendship.
Traditionally there is a royal and diplomatic presence, with members of the Danish royal family frequently in attendance, including the queen and princess for the 100th anniversary, along with various U.S. ambassadors and Danish ministers.
When the Solvang chapter was founded, it significantly strengthened local Danish ties. The group sponsored the Hans Christian Andersen statue installation at Solvang Park, marking a milestone in community heritage.
That same year, on March 23, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and husband Prince Henrik officially visited as part of the U.S. bicentennial tour.
The trip included a luncheon at Bethania Lutheran Church.
I, fortunately as a representative of the press in 2012, attended the luncheon. The honored guests were approachable at the point of exiting their limo and walking along Copenhagen Drive from Alisal to Atterdag, before turning the corner towards the church.
I was quite taken by the day, the planning and respect of our town. Plus, I have a recipe from the Chef of the day — and photos.
Now, back to our Solvang chapter.
Just under 20 members dined on Danish dishes and discussed our chapter’s future. We are looking forward to being involved with and attending this year’s Danish festivities, including Fastelavn on Feb. 28 at the Parish Hall; Grundlovsdag BBQ at Hans Christian Andersen Park in June, and, of course, Danish Days.
Glenda Jaeger Madrid, one of our sparkplugs, encourages anyone interested — Danish or not — to join us. Her email contact is madrid@hotmail.com. Also, don’t hesitate to contact me at the below email.
So, this week, in honor of our preparation in celebrating another one of our active revivers, Lori Beattie McConnell has shared her homemade akvavit recipe. (Another good reason to join the group.)
If you are not familiar with akvavit (the water of life) is simply flavored vodka.
Lori recommends using Kirkland Signature Vodka and calls her finished product Cherry Vanilla. While most akvavit is flavored with caraway, Lori prefers cherries.
3/4 cup dark, sweet no added sugar black cherries*
Mix all ingredients in a 32-ounce mason jar and keep in a cool, dark place. Gently shake once a day for 10 days, strain into vodka bottle and store in freezer.
*cherries can be frozen (Trader Joe’s or Costco) or dehydrated.