Astoria Regatta: Vikings on parade

We have another guest photographer today, as Stephanie Roley took this photo of the Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival Float during the August 15th Regatta parade in Astoria, Oregon. Many of Astoria's early settlers were Scandinavian, and people I know can still remember when you'd hear these native languages spoken on the street. This is no longer true today, although you occasionally hear the accents. I loved the viking ship and colorful blue water on this float. From left, the shields on the boat represent the flags of the US, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. Thanks, Stephanie, for sending today's photo!

I believe that the building behind the float is a care facility for geriatric patients, but I'll check on it, or if you know, please tell me! It may have been part of the original St. Mary's hospital. I hate to throw info out there without checking, but business is calling. . . .

. Today is Watery Wednesday, and I'm using this photo as my contribution. After all, who can picture a Viking ship without thinking of water? See all the blue? You've seen plenty of water around Astoria. Today the water is representational and imaginary :)