7.a DALA HORSE Story Contest.docxDALA HORSE Story Contest
Gammelgården Museum has chosen 2021 as the year of the DALA HORSE! Scandia’s Parks and
Recreation Committee has created a story contest for elementary school children to celebrate
the DALA HORSE. A prize of $50 will be awarded to both the winner and the winner’s
classroom. The top 8 stories will be featured in the Children’s Story Path in Lilleskogen Park in
February and will be included in the DALA HORSE exhibit at Gammelgården this summer.
The History of the DALA HORSE:
DALA HORSES (Dala Häst) began in the county of DALARNA, SWEDEN in the 1700s as toys for
children. They were carved from wood by parents or grandparents and painted. The reason
that they do NOT have tails is to protect them from being caught by the trolls. Dala horses came
to America with children as their beloved toys. The tradition of carving and painting them was
continued by the immigrant families as part of their Swedish heritage. The City of Scandia uses
the Dala Horse as its official logo. In Sweden, many towns design their own shape and painting
design. Some Dala Horses are made for special holidays or events. Worldwide, they are
recognized as from SWEDEN.
Contest Details:
Write a story about the DALA HORSE. It can include details such as where in Sweden it is from,
what magical powers it has and how it came to Scandia. Use your imagination. Stories will be
judged on creativity. Color in your DALA HORSE outline and title your story. Fill in your name
and your teacher’s name. The story must fit on one 8 ½” X 11” paper and be typed with 14 pt.
font with normal (1”) page margins in portrait layout. Do not fold your entry. Stories and
coloring pages are due on Monday, January 25, 2021. Winners will be announced on Monday,
February 1, 2021.
Submitting your Entry
Students may submit their entries by either bringing them to Scandia Elementary School or
emailing them directly to p.ray@scandia.mn.us. If you have any questions, please email
p.ray@scandia.mn.us
Good luck and have fun with your story and coloring your DALA HORSE.
Story Title:____________________________________________________________________________
Name:________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s Name:_______________________________________________________________________
Map of the Regions of Sweden