The Astoria Scandinavian Heritage Association is holding a benefit for the park maintenance fund, Light in the Darkness, from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Astoria Nordic Heritage Park.

Fifty memorial candles donated by Finn Ware will be lit in honor of those who have passed away. Their names will be read during a brief ceremony of music, poetry and song at 6 p.m. Lloyd Bowler will be the emcee, Loran Mathews will explain the significance of the candles, Sirpa Duoos and Malachi Cummings will read poems and Leila Collier will sing a Christmas song by Jean Sibelius.

Seating is sparse at the park, so bring a chair if needed. The candles will stay lit for three hours so people can stroll and take photos. The Vasa Swedish Lodge and Friends of Suomi Hall will supply coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies, and there will be seasonal Christmas music.

The stormy weather alternate date is Dec. 20. A change in dates will be announced on Facebook at bit.ly/ANHPark and astorianordicpark.org.

To have a loved one’s name be part of this ceremony, mail a check made out to the Astoria Scandinavian Heritage Association with a minimum donation of $25, and include the name of the person to be honored, to Light in the Darkness, ASHA, P.O. Box 34, Astoria OR., 97103, or donate online at astorianordicpark.org/contribute.html.