TIVOLI FEST 2014: Museum of Danish America announces ‘Ringridning’ Bicycle Competition Winners in Elk Horn, Iowa
News and photo courtesy of Nicky Christensen, Museum of Danish America –
Sixteen contestants tried their luck and skill at the Museum of Danish America’s “Ringridning” Bicycle Competition during Tivoli Fest in Elk Horn, Iowa on Saturday, May 24, 2014, and six were rewarded for their impressive displays of accuracy.
Winners in the 4-7 year old age group were:
King: Turner Juelsgaard
Crown Prince: Jakob Morris
Princess: Lucy Juelsgaard
Winners in the 8-12 year old age group were:
King: Truman Juelsgaard
Crown Princess: Mollie Rasmussen
Princess: Deanna Evans
Also part of the competition was a prize for the Best Decorated Bicycle, as determined by a panel of judges. With many festive touches including red and white paper streamers interwoven between the spokes of her tires and along the bicycle’s frame, several Danish flags, and red and white playing cards on the spokes, Mollie Rasmussen received this award for her spirited efforts.
Prizes included cash and LEGO lunch boxes, water bottles, and storage pieces from the Museum Shop. All participants enjoyed ice cream cones in the favorable weather after their attempts.
Ringridning is a traditional Danish sport most alive in Sønderborg in Southern Denmark. Sønderborg is home to Sønderborg Castle which likely began as a fortified tower constructed by Valdemar the Great in 1158. Like knights in medieval times, ringridning lets competitors participate in a jousting-like activity where riders (on bicycles, in this instance) charge down an alley through the “gallows” and aim to spear a small metal ring on a lance. Riders are given four tries, with the ring becoming progressively smaller. Each ring is worth a certain amount of points, and the rider with the most points wins.
Due to the success and popularity of the event, the museum is considering holding a similar competition that will include adult riders at its annual midsummer festival, Sankt Hans Aften, on Saturday, June 21, 2014.
More information about the Museum of Danish America and its upcoming events can be found at danishmuseum.org or by calling (712) 764-7001.
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