Solvang marked its 88th Danish Days Festival with parades, music, food and family activities, as the three-day celebration embraced the theme “Be Happy — Vær Glæde!”

The annual heritage festival, held Friday through Sunday, featured traditions dating back to 1936, including the popular aebleskiver breakfasts and contests, Viking reenactments, Danish folk dancing and artisans showcasing Danish crafts.

Aebleskiver were a crowd favorite, with about 2,400 plates — more than 7,000 total — served at the breakfasts, according to event organizer the Danish Days Foundation.

Naader Reda, an Instagram personality from Victorville, returned for Sunday’s eating contest, winning the 16-and-up division by downing 17 of the pancake balls. Other winners included Santiago Garcia, 13, of Solvang, who a

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