First Lutheran Church’s Annual Lucia Fest

Dec 8, 2012 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

First Lutheran Church 225 South Third Street in Rockford’s Haight Village.

The event includes a Santa Lucia and her special guests, as well as a Treasure Table, baked goods, crafts, refreshments, and continuous live music throughout the morning. 60 loaves of Swedish orange rye bread made with a Lucia braid (cinnamon or cardamom flavored) will be available for sale, as well as Korv made by Tabor Lutheran Church.

Among the featured musical groups and musicians will be students from the Rockford Music Academy, the Windswept Quintet and the Bach Chamber Choir.

First Lutheran’s Lucia Day celebrates the Swedish Festival of Lights holiday. According to legend, Lucia was a medieval saint who carried food and drink to
hungry people during a period of famine. She was seen dressed in a white gown with a crown of lights. In Sweden, the Lucia Day is celebrated in every home, school, and workplace on the morning of December 13. In the United States, churches with strong Scandinavian roots, like First Lutheran, continue to celebrate the holiday each December.

For more information about First Lutheran’s Lucia Fest, contact the church office at 815.962.6691.