Crayfish Party

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) is celebrating summer with the launch of Crayfish Sommerfest at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay on Aug. 16.

“We are excited to partner with WPR,” said Lars Johnson of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik, “and to be a part of something that is already a part of us every day; in the kitchen, in the truck that brings the goats, and in the barn – we have WPR dialed in.”

The menu highlights traditional Swedish summertime food including crayfish boiled in a salty brine, steeped with dill grown by Al Johnson’s and served with a melted dill compound butter. Side dishes will feature locally grown baby dill potatoes, fresh corn, Swedish cucumber salad, assorted Swedish and Wisconsin cheeses, knäckebröd and baguette tray, Swedish cardamom shortbread with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, and a shot of chilled Aquavit.

Crayfish have been a delicacy in Sweden since the 16th century. For a time in the 19th century, Swedes could only harvest the crayfish from August through October. Thus, the Crayfish Party (Kräftskiva) in August became a national festivity, marking the end of summer as the Swedish way to eat, drink and be merry.

Afternoon Classics host Lori Skelton, Wisconsin Life Executive Producer Maureen McCollum, and WPR regional staff will join Mike Crane, director of WPR, at this inaugural event.

Seating is limited and tickets are available at wpr.org/presents. The event is a fundraiser for WPR.