The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SWEDISH WINE MAKING FESTIVAL ( FALL )

TRADITIONALLY, EACH FALL THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS, MINN. CARRY BUSHEL
BASKETS OF GRAPES FROM THEIR FARMS TO THE TOWN ON FOOT. THE BASKETS
OF GRAPES ARE THEN DUMPED INTO A LARGE VAT AND STOMPED BY BAREFOOTED
GIRLS. AFTER EACH BUSHEL IS DUMPED, THE FARMERS RELAX AND HAVE
SOME OF THE WINE THAT HAD BEEN MADE THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND OPEN(ED)
FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE FESTIVAL. AFTER THIS THEY RETURN TO THEIR
FARMS AND PICK-UP ANOTHER BASKET OF GRAPES, REPEATING THE
PROCEDURE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THE CUSTOM FROM HIS WIFE WHO IS OF SWEDISH DESCENT.

Where learned: WISCONSIN ; WEST BEND

Date learned: 09-30-1967