Swedish Institute's Nelson Cultural Center Opens Saturday

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- All are invited to the grand opening of the American Swedish Institute's Nelson Cultural Center on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Peggy Korsmo-Kennon, the chief operating officer with the institute, says this is the premiere gathering spot for Nordic arts, music and cuisine and it's highlighted by a sunset concert tonight at 7 p.m.

"We have a special concert with Eivør Duo and Yggdrasil, and these are two really up-and-coming Nordic groups from the Farrell Islands, and they are touring the U.S. right now," she said. "And we are just lucky enough to catch them while they are here."

If you are into the more traditional Swedish fare, Korsmo-Kennon says you can have that too.

"We have ABBA impersonators, which will be a lot of fun," she said.

The long-awaited grand opening of the Nelson Center, located at 2600 Park Avenue at the corner of 26th Street, also features things for children.

"We have a Jumpy Castle, which will be right next to our big castle, and kids will also be able to make flowered head wreathes," Korsmo-Kennon said.

"Food-wise, there will be traditional Swedish wood and in order to say 'Welcome Good Neighbor,' we are also serving up some traditional Somali foods for our neighbors," she said.