Saturday, August 27th 5:00-8:00 pm

The crayfish party goes back to the 16th century when it was popular with royals. In the 17th century, Swedes started eating crayfish on a wider scale. In the 1900s, crayfish became a national delicacy, and people in all sectors of society began celebrating the occasion. Most crayfish parties take place outdoors, marking the end of the summer. Join us for this very traditional Swedish late summer party where slurping is expected, singing is mandatory, and paper hat and bib attire is required!

​This event serves as Swedish Historical Society’s biggest annual fundraiser, and we would love to see you there!

This year’s Crayfish Party will be held under a tent in the gardens of the Nordic Cultural Center (327 South Third Street) on Saturday evening, August 27th. The event will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., beginning with a 5:00 p.m. social hour, followed by a 6:00 p.m. dinner. Live music will be provided by The Lone Canary, a Folk/Americana duo comprised of Rockford, IL musicians Jesse Fox and Heather Camacho. They have an acoustic, rootsy sound echoing the styles of legendary folk artists.

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This seasonal feast will feature traditional delicacies including an abundance of crayfish, salmon, meatballs, cheeses, and “västerbottenpaj” (cheese quiche). The party includes a complimentary beverage, a cash bar, and so much more! There will be live music. Registration is limited to 10 tables of 8 guests each.

Ticket prices are as follows:

SHS members: $75.00 per person/$150 per couple

Non-members: $85.00 per person/$170 per couple

Cost of a table: $600 for members, $680 for non-members

Table sponsor is $800 which includes 8 guest tickets, a complimentary round of beverages for each table guest

and additional recognition through print & social media.