European holiday festival celebrates culture and community at the Oaks
On Dec. 6, the Oaks Mall was transformed into a historical winter wonderland, representing European holiday culture and offering a traditional marketplace experience packed with authentic foods, unique vendors and live entertainment, all supporting non-profit organizations. Traditional European cuisine was scattered across the “Festive Garden” and “Le French Quarter” centers, offering warm beverages like Glühwein and Kinderpunsch (mulled wine and punch), bratwurst, soft pastries and Belgium pretzels. The event highlighted live performances from Pacific Festival Ballet featuring scenes from The Nutcracker, strolling carolers throughout the venue and NPHS’ orchestra. With over 60 artisans selling antique hand-made goods, all proceeds from the event went to support the Rotary Club of Westlake Village and the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation.
President of the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation at California Lutheran University, Karen Asham, and booth director, Janice Walsh, commemorate their first year participating at the European Holiday Festival, proudly representing their heritage. “We are selling Scandinavian handmade items, some vintage items that have been collected by our organization over many decades, and promoting our legacy,” Walsh said. The foundation has been based in Thousand Oaks for the past 25 years, spreading Scandinavian culture and history throughout Conejo Valley. “We’re just blown away by the reception we’re getting from the public and the committee that puts us on. Being able to see our flags, we can show our heritage, and a lot of people have questions, or they have nostalgia from family members in Scandinavian countries. So it’s a huge community event for us. And hopefully people are enjoying their Scandinavian roots here,” Asham said.
Beca Piascik, a paper maker based in Southern California, attended her third year at the European Holiday Festival. Piascik brings a whole new meaning to recycling with her creative approach to reusing paper. “I use recycled materials to make fresh sheets of paper. It’s like recycling. It’s transformative. You’re breaking down materials and giving them a new life, which is super cool,” Piascik said. At her booth, Piascik sold an array of creative paper projects, from handmade notebooks to earrings. “Business-wise, we’re trying to do everything that we can with paper. We do jewelry and journals, we do wall art, and we do [other] custom things,” Piascik said. The European Holiday Festival happens to be one of Piascik’s favorite events to sell her products. “It’s cute [and] easy for us [vendors]. We come in, [the festival workers] have the tents set up, we put our stuff up, and we hang out. And [the festival workers] come around and they check on us, which is so nice because other events don’t do that,” Piascik said. In addition to recognizing the exposure the European Holiday Festival provides to small businesses, Piascik appreciates how events like these can bring communities together. “I think part of art that is so important is community building, and I feel like these types of events that involve artists are so important [for that] community building,” Piascik said.
The European Holiday Festival has been put together by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village for the past four years. DeAnn Justesen, president of the Westlake Village Rotary Club, defines a Rotary Club as an international service organization. “[The Rotary Club has] worked with the Gates Foundation and the World Health Organization. We do local service, […] national, international and community projects,” Justesen said. Justesen encourages people of all ages, even those in high school, to consider volunteering because of the fun and joyous atmosphere. “They get to see what [the Rotary Club] does, they get to enjoy music [and] food vendors [and volunteers] meet some really nice people,” Justesen said. Justesen finds events like the European Holiday Festival to be a special experience for all kinds of people and age groups. “This event is for all different kinds of people, families [and] teachers, because in the daytime, we have Santa, then later at night, when it gets dark, there’s lights. [The festival has] got something for [everyone],” Justesen said.
There is no doubt that connection can be seen all around in the Conejo Valley community, especially during the holidayseason. The European Holiday Festival is one of many ways to get involved. The celebration of people, culture and art is representative of how prevalent inclusivity is during the holidays. Holiday events bring the community together to enjoy food, live music and individuality. “Coming to events like [the] European Holiday Festival, helps support [the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical] Foundation and [its] cause, and spread more awareness and community within [Scandinavian American] culture,” Asham said.
