By Dr. Deborah L. Bauer
The Seminole County Historical Society is proud to announce that Sanford’s famed St. Lucia Festival is one again returning to the Museum of Seminole County History on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. The celebration is the largest St. Lucia festival in Central Florida. The event is free and open to the public with free parking. Enjoy several choral and dance performances, authentic Swedish food, beverages and desserts, and witness the traditional St. Lucia Processional. The festival is held each year on the grounds of the beautiful Museum of Seminole County History, 300 Eslinger Way in Sanford. The St. Lucia Exhibit can be viewed at the Temporary Exhibit Hall of the Museum of Seminole County History up to Dec. 27.
This year's festival coincides with the date the Festival of St. Lucia is traditionally celebrated on December 13th and begins the Christmas season in Swedish culture. According to Swedish legend, a ship carrying a maiden "clothed in white and crowned with light" appeared on the shore in Värmland during a great famine. The maiden, widely believed to be Lucia, distributed food and clothing to the needy, thus endearing herself to the Swedish people. As a school founded by Swedish immigrants, the Gustavus Adolphus College community has found it appropriate to celebrate some Swedish traditions. Volunteer Teri Patterson, a descendant of one Seminole County's original Swedish families, continues to spearhead the planning, organization, and execution of the festival each year in concert with volunteers of the Seminole County Historical Society and staff at the county museum.
The festival will be emceed for the first time this year by Seminole County Commissioner Jay Zembower. Presentation of the Colors will occur at approximately 12:15pm by the Seminole County Fire Department Honor Guard. Michelle Archival of Covenant Journey Academy will sing the National Anthem. The St. Lucia Processional will occur at 1:45pm with songs sung in Swedish by Daniel Luna and in English by Mina Evans. Entertainment includes performances by Iliannette Soto, Violinist and Corky Hall, Accordionist. The Lake Mary Elementary School Choir (as led by Amy Gonzalez) and the Geneva School Choir will also perform. Rob Smith, Jr., a local pen and ink artist, will be doing artistic demonstrations. Orlando Vikings Floorball team will be present with floorball demonstrations. A Children’s Craft Activity Area will be present for the kids and the Swede Dish Food truck will be present with extra goodies to purchase for those who get hungry for more than sweets! A variety of vendors will be attending, including Marianne Coveney of European Essentials with Imported Swedish Gift Items, Jackie Wolter Luna Artist of Lunabeeceramics with Scandinavian style pottery items, Joakim Fredborg of Viking Silver with Swedish Handmade & Custom Jewelry, and the Seminole County Historical Society Book Shoppe. For more information, please visit https://sanfordstlucia.com.
