The Solvang Danish Days Foundation has announced that Ainsley Haws, a fifth-generation Danish-American with roots tracing back to four different regions of Denmark, will serve as the 2026 Danish Maid for this year’s 89th annual Solvang Danish Days festival.
The festival, celebrating California’s premier Danish culture and heritage, will take place Friday through Sunday, September 18-20, under this year’s theme “Solen over dalen,” meaning “Sun over the Valley” in Danish.
A deep connection to Danish heritage
For Haws, the role carries special significance due to her family’s Danish-American history.
“One thing that is especially meaningful to me in accepting this role as Danish Maid, is how it ties into my family history,” Haws said. “It has been special to learn about my Danish heritage and how those ancestors came to America, eventually landing my family here in Solvang.”…