Crayfish, Shrimp and Meatball Dinner

The American Scandinavian Association at Augustana will hold its annual Crayfish Party (Kräftskiva), featuring a menu of traditional Swedish foods. 

The menu includes traditional crayfish, Swedish meatballs, shrimp, new potatoes, corn on the cob, a fresh fruit bowl, apple cabbage salad, cookies, coffee, tea and bottled water. 

There will be door prizes for those in attendance.

According to the American Scandinavian Association: "Crayfish have been a delicacy in Sweden since the 16th century. In the early 20th century, restrictions were introduced to crayfishing in Sweden and Aug. 7 was the official opening of the season. Thus, the month of August became the official start of crayfish parties across the country.

"Wearing paper hats, stringing crayfish decorations, including the man-in-the-moon paper lanterns, singing and the audible slurping of the juice out of the crayfish all set the mood for a festive Kräftskiva! Some say that parties in Sweden begin in mid-day and last until dawn, often ending with a skinny dip in the lake!

"Sweden is the largest consumer of crayfish in the world; 2,500 tons are consumed each year."