St. Lucia Festival canceled

LINDSBORG — Lindsborg organizers have managed to transform most of the town’s festivals and events into safer versions for visitors and townfolk.

But not St. Lucia Festival, which would been celebrated Dec. 12.

The popular festival was canceled this year because of COVID-19 for the first time since its start as a “living Christmas card” in 1962.

A favorite Swedish holiday tradition, the festival celebrates Lucia, the saint who is an emblem of light on a long winter’s day. The saint, whose name is derived from “lux,” meaning “light,” is credited with saving Swedes from starvation by steering a ship filled with light and food. She was a fourth-century Christian martyr.

McPherson County has returned to Phase 2 of the coronavirus reopening plan. The usual activities – dancing and a church ceremony — are canceled because of the plan and because of illness.

Marla Elmquist will talk about “Swedish-American Traditions: Apple Trees and Ljuskröna” at 1 and 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at Smoky Valley Arts and Folklife Center, 105 N. Main. Ljuskrönas, or Swedish light crowns, are candelabra wrapped with fringed paper.

In keeping with the spirit of St. Lucia, Lindsborg residents are encouraged to “Light the Night” on Dec. 12 with homemade luminaries.