WEEKEND FESTIVALS CELEBRATE THE NORDIC WAY.

Byline: Barbara De Witt  Staff Writer

Long before the San Fernando Valley was orange groves, Ventura County was settled by Scandinavians who farmed the land and also built the Norwegian Grade. Many of those ranchers' families have remained in the area, celebrating their heritage with a smorgasbord of fun known as the Scandinavian Festival.

The two-day festival begins with a parade of flags of all the Scandinavian countries at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, but you can come anytime to feast on Nordic foods, such as pickled herring and potato lefse (similar to a tortilla) offered by vendors, or sit down for a huge authentic smorgasbord served from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Pavilion. Either way, you'll being entertained by nonstop Baltic and Scandinavian music and folk dancers on a variety of stages.

There's also an opportunity for families to learn more about the Scandinavian culture at the Viking encampment and the Sami Village, which has been re-created by native Scandinavians (once known as Laplanders) who will demonstrate ancient customs, including how to tan a reindeer hide.

Shoppers will find an abundance of arts and crafts, from clogs to tole- painted furniture, and children will delight in the re-creation of Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, where there will be games and traditional treats such as snow cones and ice cream.

It's an all-day outdoor activity, so dress comfortably and bring sunscreen and jackets. And, yes, Scandinavian costumes are encouraged, says spokeswoman Lynda Fulford.

30TH ANNUAL SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVAL: Kingsmen Park, California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. To get there from the San Fernando Valley, take the Ventura (101) Freeway north to the 23 north and exit at Olsen Road; follow signs. Parking is free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $6 for adults; $1 for ages 6-12; free for children 5 and under. Smorgasbord is $14.25 for adults, $7.50 for children; other food sold separately. Handicapped accessible; no pets or alcohol. Call [phone] (for dining reservations call 805-493-3203).

Also happening this weekend:

EARL STANLEY GARDNER FESTIVAL: Learn all about the flamboyant attorney who wrote the first three of his Perry Mason mysteries in the city of Ventura - and test your own sleuthing skills in a fictional citywide murder mystery. You'll visit the crime scene at the Accolades Gallery, pick up clues and try to figure out whodunit for prizes. It's G-rated, so bring the kids. Since it's a literary festival, you'll also find numerous local authors reading from their favorite books at the E.P. Foster Library and special guests such as Mad magazine cartoonist Sergio Aragones, who will sign his creations at Ralph's Comic Corner from 1 to 4 p.m. Wear sneakers for the short literary walking tour at 11 a.m., followed by ``Lights, Cameras, Action'' for film buffs that starts at 1 p.m. at the steps of City Hall. Main Street, Ventura. To get there take the 101 north, exit at California Street and follow signs. Admission and parking free; books, food sold separately. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Handicapped accessible; pets on leashes allowed; no alcohol. Call [phone] or [phone].

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

Traditional costumes are part of the fun at the Scandinavian Festival this weekend at California Lutheran University.