VIBORG, S.D. (KELO) — Every summer, hundreds of people gather in Viborg for four days of Danish traditions. The event dates back to more than a century ago.
“Danish days have been going on for years and years. I mean, we have pictures of 1905 and they were doing Danish Days parades back then,” said Renae Hansen, a staff member at the Daneville Heritage Museum.
Hansen works at the local Danish museum, where they have displays of Danish toys, clothes and household items.
“It makes us happy that we’re able to just keep the whole Danish tradition alive, keep the Danish Days tradition alive,” said Hansen. “You know, Viborg is very, very into our Danish heritage here. And it just makes us happy that we’re able to carry on some of the traditions.”
The tradition is one that brings people back to their hometown, even if they haven’t lived there in years.
“I think all of it is my favorite part, it’s just fun,” said Jennifer VanDriel, a volunteer at Danish Days. “It’s good to see people come home. It’s good to see the kids run around. The parade gets bigger and bigger every year.”
And if you still want to take part in the celebrations, the fun isn’t over yet.
“Tomorrow, we have friends and family night at Glood Park, and then we have, the community center does a huge meal. Root beer floats, pork loin sandwiches, the whole meal. And then of course we have the beer tent. And we always have music at Glood Park and at the fire department,” said VanDriel.
