On Saturday November 18, 2017 Lodge Linne #429 Vasa Order of America will sponsor a unique day of shopping, culture, and camaraderie. The 39th annual Scandinavian Import and Gift Sale will be held at Salt Brook School, located at 40 Maple St in New Providence, NJ (off Springfield Ave). The sale will be open to the public between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The sale will feature a wide variety of traditional holiday and everyday Scandinavian items made from silver, pewter, amber, wood, paper, wool, straw and other materials. These gift and handicraft items are either manufactured in one of the Nordic countries or are designed in a Scandinavian style or motif and manufactured elsewhere.
Many of the traditional Scandinavian decorating items will be offered, including a large variety of elf-like tomten, Jul Bock, which are straw goats, in all sizes, painted Dala horses, and many Christmas ornaments. Among paper items for sale will be a wide selection of Advent calendars, including those filled with chocolate candy, Carl Larsson calendars, Christmas cards, and stationery. An assortment of table linens will be available, including runner fabric by the yard for both Christmas and everyday use. For the home one will find trays, baking needs, aprons, knives, a large variety of Danish wrought iron candleholders, and wooden candleholders for Christmas and general use. Personal items will include lovely sweaters from Dale of Norway for men and women in both cardigan and pullover styles. The jewelry department has been expanded to include Norwegian silver solje, pewter and amber pieces designed as necklaces, earrings and pins.
We will be selling a large variety of Scandinavian baked goods, such as limpa bread, coffee braids, and pastries. Imported foods that will be sold include cheeses, such as authentic Farmers cheese, several types of herring and mackerel, lingonberries and cloudberries, and various chocolates and marzipan.
Coffee and Danish pastries will be served beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a light lunch of Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches and pastries starting at 11:00 a.m. Drawings for door prizes will be held frequently during the day.
Proceeds from the Import Sale benefit many local organizations and charities such as First Aid Squads, Volunteer Fire Departments, local libraries, high school scholarships, Sage, Cherished Creations and we sponsor a local softball team in New Providence. A portion is also donated to the local Vasa Order to be used for Scandinavian cultural programs and scholarships. Admission is free. The event is handicap accessible. Only cash and checks accepted. For more information, call Karen (908) 665-1292, Sandy Olson (973) 479-7873 or Judy (908)-464-0139.
Lodge Linne No. 429, Vasa Order of America, is a non-profit organization originally for individuals of Scandinavian descent. However, membership has now been opened up to also include people who are interested in Swedish and Nordic heritage and culture. For further information about membership contact: Vibeke (908-464-0425) or Judy (908-464-0139). The Lodge meets on the third Friday of each month at the DeCorso Community Center on Fourth St. in New Providence.
(above) Members of the Linne #429, Vasa Order of America, a Swedish fraternal organization, pose with Swedish tomtar. This year’s annual Scandinavian Import and Gift Sale will be held on Saturday, November 18.
