The Little Rhody Vasa Park, a park in Foster with longtime Scandinavian ties, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this month and Rhode Islanders are invited to come celebrate Nordic traditions.

On Sunday, Sept. 27, the 41-acre park at 10 Boswell Trail in Foster will open its gates at 1 p.m. for an afternoon of music and entertainment, delicious regional foods, and cultural festivities.

The seasonal park, which operates from early spring to fall, is a well-known location that groups may rent for parties, cookouts, weddings, and reunions. Purchased in 1965, it’s run by District Lodge Rhode Island No. 3, Vasa Order of America – an organization founded more than a century ago as a fraternal society that aided Swedish immigrants’ transition into America. It’s also a place that has long been used for Scandinavian parties, such as springtime and midsummer celebrations.

Today, the group provides members with the means to share their heritage while helping others learn or remember the ways and values of the “Old Country.” Event organizers state many of its members are elderly and are eager to maintain their longstanding traditions, with hopes the event will draw a large crowd willing to explore.

The celebration will include afternoon entertainment by the SmörgåsBandet, a lively accordion band based on Long Island, N.Y., which specializes in Scandinavian music with American themes. Waltzes, swing music, Cha-Chas, Cajun and Polkas will all be played.

Scandinavian comedy from Ken and Ellen Svengalis of Connecticut, who are known to perform traditional Swedish folk songs and ballads with guitar and violin, will be sure to delight.

A buffet dinner of chicken picata and beef tips will be served at 5 p.m., and the cost for the entire event is $25. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Sept. 12, and checks may be sent to Linda Johnson at 43 Holden St., Warwick, RI 02889. The event is open to the public.

Further information may be obtained by calling Ms. Johnson at 739-3530.