Our Mission Statement
To host a festival that celebrates the homecoming of family and friends and our area's Danish Heritage.
History of the Danish Festival
In 1964 a contest was held to develop a way to promote Greenville. Three business owners offered a cash prize to the person submitting the winning idea. Mrs. Dorothy Oliver was the winner with her suggestion that a day be set aside to honor the Danish heritage that Greenville enjoys.
The first Danish Festival was held on August 18, 1965. Today a 12-20 member Board of Directors and hundreds of volunteers are responsible for developing and presenting the festival, which draws crowds of over 55,000. This total community effort makes it possible for Greenville to host the Danish Festival year after year.
Every effort is made to maintain the festival as a non-commercial community event. The Danish Festival incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1968 and achieved 501c3 status in 2015.
Board of Directors
Andrea Krause, President
Kristine Cousineau, Vice President
Ashley VanSloten, Treasurer
Eva Cairns, Secretary
Karen Marsman, HCA Park (Children's Events)
Brad Cantrell, Food Vendors
Melody Teegardin, Royalty
Bob Ferrentino, Tivoli Gardens
Jennifer Iteen, DF-WAN MarketPlace & Food Court
Leonard Cradit, Entertainment
Wayne Baker, Parade
Jesper Dinesen, Fundraising
James Barrus, City Liason
Future Danish Festival Dates:
(the Danish Festival is always held, the 3rd full weekend in August!)
59th Annual Danish Festival August, 16-20, 2023
60th Annual Danish Festival August 14-18, 2024