Scandinavian market in California

Best meatballs ever? You be the judge. A fall market for local Scandinavians just northwest of LA. 

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  • Höstmarknad in California
    Where? Vasa Park in Agoura Hills (just off US 101)
    2854 Triunfo Canyon Road
    Agoura Hills, CA 91301

  • Meatball sliders ... so good they melt in your mouth.

  • When? Sunday, October 22
    9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • The contest for “best tasting meatball" has become the centerpiece of the Fall Marknad at Vasa Park in Agoura Hills, this year on October 22.

  • Most of the 50-plus years I’ve observed events at the Los Angeles Vasa Park were rather bland, and same-old, same-old every year.… That is, until the Vasa marketing committee, spearheaded by Ann Heinstedt, used an idea put forth by park manager Larry Klein about the “Swedish Meatball.” And now the “Swedish Meatball” is in a category like the Irish “Corned Beef & Cabbage” loved by most all Americans! The super Swedish retailer Ikea has further popularized the meatball by offering it in their stores around the world as a full meal to feed the poor and the hungry for $10 or less.

  • The meatball idea at Vasa Park became a contest for “best tasting,” and has developed into the centerpiece of the Fall Marknad. The idea was to stimulate interest and competition between the lodges, now expanded to other individuals who are just sure that they or their family made the best tasting meatballs, generation after generation.

  • Of course there are other things to see, hear and buy at the marknad now presented in a very professional and colorful way by a great variety craft retailers … not to mention games, swimming, dancing, climbing, etc., along with the traditional program. It has become the fun and games of the beloved “Swedish Crayfish Party” where the typically reserved Swedes let their hair down and have a rollicking good time.

  • Ken Larson, Swedes of Los Angeles