Light in the Darkness

Light in the Darkness 2024 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Astoria Nordic Heritage Park Friday, December 13, 2024 Stormy Weather Alternate Date: Wednesday, December 18 Change in Dates will be Announced on Facebook and the Park Website Brief Program at 6 PM Light in the Darkness is an outdoor event sponsored by the Astoria Scandinavian Heritage Association to remember those who have passed but are still in our memories at Christmas time. It’s also a fundraiser for Astoria Nordic Heritage Park and an opportunity to experience the park and enjoy community at nighttime. Light in the Darkness will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Friday, December 13, with a brief ceremony at 6 PM. In case of severe weather, the event will be moved to 5:30 - 7:30 PM on Wednesday, December 18. If necessary, the change of date will be announced on the park’s Facebook page and website. Sixty memorial candles will be lit in honor of those who are missing this Christmas season. Their names will be read during a brief ceremony of music, poetry, and song. Scott McMullen will be emcee. Sirpa Duoos will explain the significance of the candles. Local poet Jim Dott will read an original poem on grief written especially for the occasion. Viking Nordic Dancer Malachi Cummings will read additional poetry. Leila Collier will sing “En etsi valtaa loistoa,” a Christmas song by Jean Sibelius. McMullen, Collier, and Duoos will read the memorial names. Seating is sparse at the park so participants are encouraged to bring a chair if they need one. The candles will stay lit for two hours starting at 5:30 PM so people can stroll, take photos, and experience the special lights enhancing the atmosphere of the Nordic Park at night. VASA Swedish Lodge Astor Lodge #215 and Friends of Suomi Hall will supply coffee, hot cider, and cookies. There will be seasonal Christmas music. To have your loved one’s name be part of this ceremony and to assist the Astoria Scandinavian Heritage Association with maintenance and ongoing expenses at Astoria Nordic Heritage Park, mail the name of the individual you are honoring and a check made out to ASHA with a minimum donation of $25 to Light in the Darkness, ASHA, PO Box 34, Astoria OR 97103. It is also possible to donate online at www.AstoriaNordicPark.org on the Contribute page.