A traditional holiday event held in the Swedish immigrant settlement of Swedesburg is expanding this year thanks to support from the Iowa Arts Council.

In recognition of Saint Lucy’s Day observed on December 13th, the two groups will be hosting a Santa Lucia celebration. The event will include presentations from local artists Kathleen Almelien of Washington and Carol Foster of Columbus Junction. Almelien will be demonstrating Norwegian band weaving while showcasing some of her finished products. Foster will be demonstrating tatting, a knotting technique used to create lace. Wrapping up the event will be the Santa Lucia ceremony with a reading of the Santa Lucia story. Swedish Heritage Society Vice President Trish Woepking shares why they feel it is important to hold this celebration and allow these artists to showcase their work, “We want to share our heritage. We want everyone to realize what it was like years ago and just increase their knowledge. In Swedesburg, we just have a wonderful museum with lots of different things. Just a lot of items that you wouldn’t see otherwise and we’re just thankful that we have saved all these priceless antiques from our heritage.”

Woepking thanks the Iowa Arts Council for an Iowa Arts & Culture Marketing Grant they received last month to help fund new signage and publicicit for their December events, as this month is usually their busiest time of year. The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. this Saturday at the Parish Hall in Swedesburg. There is no cost to attend and everyone is welcome. The museum gift shop will also be open from noon to 6 p.m.