God Jul! Yummy Norwegian Recipes

In follow up to last week's post about Christmas in July at the 1985 Nordic Fest, this week's post continues the holiday spirit by offering a Norwegian recipe to warm yourself by this winter, or to just enjoy if you prefer it cold. 

This recipe comes from 1992 Nordic Fest communications. 

Norwegian Sweet Soup

Bring 1 qt. water to boiling in deep saucepan. 

Add 2 T. rice to boiling water.

Boil rapidly, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes, or until a kernel is soft when pressed between fingers.

Drain rice, reserving liquid. 

Rinse and finely chop enough apple to yield 1/2 c. finely chopped apple. 

Put 1 c. pitted dark sweet cherries in a bowl. 

Add 1/2 c. red raspberry fruit syrup and 1/4 c. lemon juice. 

Return the rice water to the saucepan. 

Add the apple and a 2-inch stick of cinnamon. 

Cook over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes or until apple is tender.

Add the drained rice and cherry mixture. 

Remove the cinnamon. 

Simmer 5 minutes.

Blend 1 T. cold water and 1 tsp. cornstarch to form a smooth paste.

Blend cornstarch mixture into soup. Bring to boiling. 

Continue to cook 3 to 5 minutes. 

Cool soup slightly.

Serve soup warm or cold. 

Happy New Year! 

God Jul!

As the Christmas holiday takes place this week, it can be nice to think about a steamy Nordic Fest day gone by, or one that will happen at the 2015 event. The same can be said of thinking about Christmas weather during Nordic Fest. 

In 1985, the theme for the 19th annual Nordic Fest was God Jul i Juli, which roughly translates to Merry Christmas in July. The blue 8.5" x 11" program was decorated in nisse motif by the late Laura Hoeg, renowned for her nisse creations like the one pictured above. 

Laura's work adorns many a home and business window in Decorah during Nordic Fest and throughout the year. Her work also adorns many homes of those nationwide who will always feel deeply connected to Decorah. 

Some of the specific Christmas-themed activities at the 1985 Nordic Fest included:

• The Art of Making Julekake (Christmas Bread) and Risengrynsgrot (Rice Porridge) food demonstration from Doris Barnaal
• Silas Dayton 1856 building served as the Christmas Store at Vesterheim
• Christmas in Norway slide show
• A Christmas-themed parade 
• Christmas craft and decoration making demonstrations

What are your favorite Norwegian-inspired Christmas traditions? 

Tune in next week for Norwegian recipes to assist in your winter hosting and enjoy the new year with. 

Nordic Fest Online: Where to Look Part II

Following on the heals of last week's post about most common online locations for Nordic Fest images and information, this week's post highlights a few of the online articles done about this event nearing its 50th year:

• A 2012 Sons of Norway blog post: 
• http://sonsofnorwayblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/decorah-celebrates-nordic-fest.html

• A 2012 Eat, Explore and Enjoy blog post:
• http://www.eatexploreenjoy.com/2012/08/nordic-fest-and-celebrations.html

• Decorah as a Nordic getaway from a 2010 Chicago Tribune article: 
• http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-06-21/travel/ct-trav-0615-decorah-norway-fest-20100621_1_nordic-fest-upper-iowa-river-town

• A 2009 reprint of a Decorah Newspapers article in tribute to that year's Nordic Fest flag recipient, the incredibly dedicated Renda Saquitne, who the world lost later that year: 
• http://discoveramericasstory.com/view_article.html?articleId=DPO0721200900102

• A 2009 Happy to be From Iowa blog post: http://happytobefromiowa.blogspot.com/2009/07/velkommen-to-fest.html

• A 1989 Rochester Post-Bulletin article announcement Ernest E. Peterson's retirement: 
• http://www.postbulletin.com/making-tracks-pokey-pete-headed-for-the-roundhouse/article_1776fdae-2d35-543e-9b4d-7e6e8785e6f2.html?mode=jqm

• A 1986 mention of Nordic Fest in The New York Times: 
• http://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/06/travel/travel-advisory-tours-afloat-in-japan-nordic-fest-in-the-midwest.html

Do you have any links to Nordic Fest articles to submit as part of the #nordicfest50 research project> If so, email them to nordicfest50 at gmail dot com. 

Nordic Fest Online: Where to Look Part I

As this blog continues to share stories and various background pieces from the research being done for the #nordicfest50 book, today's post takes a step back to make sure you have bookmarked all the best places to go for more information about Nordic Fest and Decorah. First, let's start with the basics:

1. The primary Nordic Fest website may be found at www.nordicfest.com. 

2. You can "Like" Nordic Fest on Facebook for updates in your news feed at https://www.facebook.com/nordicfest. As of this writing, there are approximately 1,800 likes on this page - I know there are more Nordic Fest fans than that who have a Facebook account! 

3. For great information about Nordic Fest and the many other reasons to visit Decorah, bookmark http://www.decoraharea.com. 

4. To see some of the photos on the Flick website that users have uploaded from Nordic Fest, use this link: http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/nordicfest. 

5. For regular information about Nordic Fest activities and year-round exhibits and celebrations of Norwegian culture, bookmark http://vesterheim.org/index.php.

Next week's blog post will share links to articles and blog posts about Nordic Fest. 

What are some of your favorite Nordic Fest links? 

The Pokey Pete Spirit: A Tribute to Paul Estrem

Dedicated Pokey engineer Paul Estrem on one of many excursions with the Lit'L Pokey train, taken in 2002. Photo courtesy of his family.

Earlier this year, a couple of blogs covered Ernie Petersen, the original Pokey Pete and his return to Decorah at the start of the 2014 Nordic Fest. You may read those posts both here and here. 

The process of researching the history surrounding Pokey Pete and the train still maintained by the Decorah Lions was a wonderful reminder the late Paul Estrem, of a man who truly carried on the spirit of the original Pokey Pete by reaching so many area children and sharing what has become a symbol of Nordic Fest well beyond the borders of Water Street in Decorah. 

Paul's fellow engineer John Tjostem shares these memories of Paul's dedication:
"Paul generous took Pokey (the train) to gala events in several northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota communities, donating his own trailer and gas. Many times he made the trip alone. In each Christmas parade, Paul decorated Lit'L Pokey with evergreen roping and lights. 

I volunteered to be Paul's replacement once when a conflict kept him from a Lit'L Pokey engagement at Fort Atkinson. I went alone and gave rides to children for some hours. Following an afternoon of non-stop rides, I loaded the train back onto Paul's trailer and returned it to Paul's shed. I then realized the amount of effort that went into doing one-man outings with Lit'L Pokey."

Paul's wife Lois shares:
"As a Lions Club member, Paul simply thought that taking the train around was something that has got to get done. He loved to be with people."

Although Paul was lost to an accident in 2010, his spirit lives on in the smiles of children who continue to enjoy train rides, and, as John concludes: 
"Thank you, Paul, for your enthusiasm and unselfish effort in continuing on the path which Ernest Petersen blazed."

You may read more about Paul's beautiful life and his commitment to his community here. 

Nordic Fest as a Success: Part 2

This week's post continues directly from last week with additional thoughts from 1996 Nordic Fest Board president, educator and community volunteer Clark Goltz, as transcribed from his 1997 interview about Nordic Fest:

"Nordic Fest is more than just an ethnic celebration. That's what the brochure says that we send out in the mail - a brochure that says this is the Nordic Fest - celebrating the Scandinavian traditions. That's a very important part. I know that. I know that being in the center of this community with Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, we have a focal point few communities have. 

But what Nordic Fest also means to me is that it's a way for the community to say, 'Come look at where we live. Look at the pride that we take. Look at the things we do well. Look how we celebrate not only the ethnic traditions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark but really all of our countries. Look at how we allow nonprofit organizations to do fundraising here so that they will be able to continue, be successful and continue serving others in the community. Look at how we do things for kids of all ages. Look at how we invite thousands of people into this little town in Iowa for a simple weekend that's going to be fun so people leave here having had fun.'

When you leave Decorah, you think 'Wouldn't that be a great place to live?' It's not just piece of paper that says 'Nordic Fest.' 

It's a community celebration where people say, 'We have a lot to be proud of. We work together. Come share our joy. Come share our pride. Come back again.' That's what it's supposed to be."

As the US gathers later this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, what cultural and community traditions are you most thankful for? 

Nordic Fest as a Success: Part 1

Decorah welcome sign and flags at the east entrance to town

For the last several weeks, we have been using interview transcript excepts from a 1997 Luther College communications department senior paper done on the impact of stories on perpetuating the culture of Nordic Fest. For the project, the first Nordic Fest president as well as each president at five year intervals were interviewed. One of the questions involved what the respondent's definition of success was for Nordic Fest. 1996 Nordic Fest Board president Clark Goltz, known for his commitment, eloquence, contagious energy and enthusiasm, offered the following response to that question:

"Nordic Fest in unequivocally a success. A success is where there are people who leave that festival and thank 'This was great,' whether you are a young person who just finished visiting the Viking Encampment, or doing games, or watching the parade. Another type of success is maybe when you're a person who enjoys the musical part of it and got to hear Trond and Ragna Dahlen or the exquisite Allesund Spellemanslag or you hear and American musical. 

Maybe your success is I went to a festival that has an antique show and sale and they jury that and it's so good that I got that piece I really wanted. Or you go and you see rosemaling that you normally see only when you go to Norway. So if people go away from the festival thinking, 'Gosh, I really saw something neat' or 'I learned something.' then it's successful. 

But I also think Nordic Fest is successful when you look at the number of people who attend and how they look. I love to drive around and just look at the positive emotions on people's faces. 

Of course, the other end is financial - can you make enough money to keep the festival going from year to year. Both ways are important." 

What's your definition of Nordic Fest success? 

Economic Impact: Another Nordic Fest Strength

In 1967, the Nordic Fest founders estimated through research that each traveler spent $12 per day in the community being visited. In 2014, those estimates range from $55-$110 per person per day. 

Nordic Fest continues to create a significant direct spending and economic impact on the Decorah area, especially when multiplied over five decades. A largely untold story of Nordic Fest is its significant nonprofit impact, a topic that will be covered in future blog posts.

The general economic impact of Nordic Fest was not immediately clear to everyone in Decorah. The late Gary Svenson recalled such an example during a 1997 interview:

"Vernon Finholt approached me after the first couple of Nordic Fests. He ran Ben Bear Clothing Store at the time. Vernon was a good friend of mine. I worked for him over the years. He said, 'Your Fest is costing me money.'

He showed me figures about how' his sales during Nordic Fest days were way down as compared with those same days in previous years. 

He was surprised when I told him to go back and compare his sales in the weeks following Nordic Fest with previous years. They were way up because of things like the waitress who made extra tip money that weekend could now afford to buy her husband two shirts instead of one. The secondary spending is unbelievable!" 

Do you have an economic impact of Nordic Fest story? Submit it to nordic fest 50 at gmail dot come. 

More Nordic Fest Fun: A Story from Phyllis Leseth

Phyllis Leseth in 1969 with the family car she and her husband Hubie had rosemaled by Laura Hoeg to support the Nordic Fest. Photo courtesy of her family. 

Nordic Fest could not have found a more loving, dedicated or passionate "mother" than the one it had in the late Phyllis Leseth. The only woman among the Nordic Fest founders, Phyllis had already accumulated a lifetime of service to educational, cultural and community causes by the time she joined the founding team. Phyllis was also among the first women admitted to Luther College, making her a pioneer in her own right on several fronts. Phyllis led the way and set an example with a relaxed and warm spirit. 

Having her car rosemaled to support Nordic Fest was one of hundreds of extra steps that just came naturally for Phyllis in support of her dear Decorah and her dear Nordic Fest. Among her many contributions, Phyllis operated in ceaseless publicity mode to bring more people to the first Nordic Fest than anyone could have imagined.

In a 1997 written interview, Phyllis recalled a particularly laugh-filled time that happened while she was president of the Nordic Fest Board during one of its early years:

"The year I was president, a surprising and exciting experience was in store when innovative and whimsical Dr. George Knudson led a Viking 'raid.' The Vikings stormed ashore from their ships (canoes) and captured me, burst into Vanberia, startling customers and laying hold of a fair damsel (not pre-arranged). They loaded us in canoes on their float and paraded us triumphantly and menacingly down Water Street. They assured me that the snake in the bottom of my canoe was a fake. Had I known it was actually alive, a screaming Nordic Fest president would have added unexpected drama to the parade - and probably scared the fierce Vikings out of their fur clothing!" 

Thank you Phyllis, for your passion, dedication and beautiful spirit! Nordic Fest is approaching 50 years thanks to standing on the shoulders of giants, with you at the center!  

More from the First Nordic Fest Board President

Harry Olson, president of the first Nordic Fest Board, pictured in the yellow vest

during the first parade in 1967

As mentioned in last week's post, local Decorah businessman Harry Olson served as the first Nordic Fest board president. He started a long line of particularly dedicated and passionate people to take on a huge volunteer role over five decades. 

During a 1997 interview, he shared particular recollections about those first Fest experiences in 1967, which are excerpted here, and likely are parallel to the thoughts and experiences of many of his board president colleagues:

A note about how communication has changed over five decades:
"We drove everywhere to manage communication among board members. One year, we drove 350 miles within the city limits in the three days of Nordic Fest. We usually started at 5 a.m. and went until 1 a.m. We made it work because it was only three days. We had a walkie talkie from the information tent to the car board members used." 

"The most personal satisfaction I had came at Opening Ceremonies the first year - until I found out I had to get up and welcome everybody. That didn't make me happy. I got up to the Courthouse Square and had tears in my eyes to see all the people who showed up because they thought the Nordic Fest was something worthwhile to be a part of."  

"I don't recall any stress. In Jaycees, there was no expectation of failure. We just gave things a shot. We did not have the word can't in our vocabulary." 

"If I had a chance to do it all over again, I would join the Nordic Fest team. It's nice to feel wanted and feel a part of something. I would still serve as president because it was easy to organize the work."

Have you served on the Nordic Fest board? If so, how can you relate to Harry's experiences? 

A Reserved Nordic Fest Founder

Some of the Nordic Fest founders on the float created for them by the skilled Decorah carpenter Willie Brown at the 25th Nordic Fest in 1991. 

Missing from this photo are Harry Olson and Dr. Marion Nelson.

Harry Olson served as president of the first Nordic Fest board, elected by his peers based on their deep respect for him. Harry is well known in Decorah for being a key part of Ruby's Restaurant and Catering, including the famous Ronnie's Rolls offered each morning there. Although Harry is very comfortable with close friends, he is hard working yet generally reserved in larger group settings and shuns any kind of public attention on his community leadership. 

Harry is not present in the photo at the start of the parade route during the 25th Nordic Fest. It's what happened after this photo was taken where this story picks up. Both of the following accounts are taken from a 1997 interview:

First, from the late Gary Svenson: 

"During the 25th Nordic Fest, all those neat old memories about how successful the first year was came flooding back. It was really overwhelming to see the wonderful float Willie Brown so beautifully made for us to ride on during the parade. The only problem was this little pain (points to Harry Olson, who he is interviewing with) decided he was going to be stuck up and not come get on the float. I couldn't believe that because after all, he was president that very first year. That's when Mike, Jerry, Darrell and I decided come hell or high water, when the parade went by Harry's restaurant, we were going to kidnap him no matter if he had 20 steaks on the grill."

And from Harry:

"During the 25th Nordic Fest, I thought it was really slick how the history was celebrated. I did not go to the founders' float because I was needed at the restaurant. I kind of thought they might do something when they came by. I had no idea they would kidnap me. They came too quick! I had no time to duck back in. I got back in time for the post-parade rush. It turned out to be really neat because I had the video camera going when they came by and kept it running the whole time I sat on the float during the remainder of the parade." 

Enjoy your video, Harry - and thanks to you and your fellow founders for what you created!   

Nordic Fest: A Tale of Safety and Joy

In a 1997 interview, Nordic Fest board president and longtime volunteer Clark Goltz shared a story that illustrates both safety and in the end, joy from 1996. This story may be less likely to be heard at larger events in larger communities. 

"We got a letter back from a young boy who had lost his billfold. Actually, he had found me in the crowd and said he was pretty upset about it. Low and behold we found it, and it had his Nordic Fest medallion and his library card in it. There was no money in it. So I sent him a personal note and told him to let me know if there had been any money in it, because I wanted to replace it. 

He wrote me back the nicest letter and said that no, he had spent all his money on food 'so you don't have send me anything back.' but he said, 'Gosh, thanks for taking the time to send my medallion back.' There are so many memorable moments. Those are the personal sides that I like to see."

What personal stories do you have to share from Nordic Fest as the 50th year approaches? Submit your stories to nordic fest 50 at gmail dot com. 

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/taylar/ 

A German Who Loved to See Young People Having a Good Time: Tribute to Betty Hacker

Betty Hacker in full Nordic Dancer attire, photo provided by her family

As plans for the first event in 1967 came together, Phyllis Leseth recruited Luther student Sebjorn Rogne to teach a group of Decorah Community Schools students authentic Scandinavian dances to add to the appeal and authenticity of Nordic Fest. With her daughter Karen part of this group, teacher Betty Hacker agreed to be a supervisor for the first group of Nordic Dancers.

Then came May 1967. Sebjorn needed to return home to Norway. What next?

Betty, a self-described "full blooded German" graciously took over the direction of the Nordic Dancers, famously using toothpicks to help determine new dance configurations, adding to the repertoire of this first group of students in time for their debut at the first Nordic Fest. 

Betty, who very much loved to see young people having a good time, continued in her first stint of Nordic Dancer service with only brief breaks from 1967 until 1979. During this time, she led the efforts to form the second, third and fourth groups of Nordic Dancers, which took place  in 1969, 1974 and 1979.

When Nordic Dancer directors Pastor Paul and Lois Christianson retired from their service in 1989, Betty returned to her role to work with the fifth and sixth group of dancers. Her commitment ensure the continuation of "one of the highlights of Nordic Fest" she helped create.

Betty continued in this role through her retirement from a legendary career as a junior high school science teacher with a fall bug collection project, as well as girls' basketball coach. Her Nordic Dancer founding and commitment only scratches the surface of a legacy of community service she leaves throughout Decorah.

Although her family and all of Decorah lost Betty to cancer in 1995, her spirit remains very much alive every time the Nordic Dancers inspire smiles and share joy at their Courthouse Square performances and everywhere they appear. 

Thank you, Betty for making Nordic Dancers happen! 

Nordic Fest: The First Promotional Brochure

The first Nordic Fest brochure, 1967

Last week's post on the 1999 recorded intentions of the Nordic Fest founders got me to open up the original 1967 Nordic Fest brochure pictured here as part of the #nordicfest50 research process. I found some interesting, relatively timeless content inside worthy of sharing in today's post: 

Decorah has a long and colorful Norwegian heritage. More than a century ago, Norwegian settlers were attracted to the area by wooded bluffs and scenic spring-fed streams. Soon Decorah became a cultural center for these Americans from Norway. Here they established Luther College in 1861, the Norwegian-American newspaper Decorah Posten in 1874, and the famed Norwegian-American Museum in 1877. The people of Decorah invite you to share this cultural heritage which provides an "Old World" atmosphere. The people say "Velkommen" to the Nordic Fest on July 27-30.

Things to Do at Nordic Fest

WATCH demonstrations of early Norwegian crafts.

HIKE on a nature trail or take a bus trip to scenic and historic sites.

NIBBLE fresh Norwegian pastries made while you watch.

SHOP for Scandinavian specialties in streets ablaze with flags and colorful costumes.

LISTEN to strolling musicians or a band concert (Sunday) in the park.

SAMPLE the best Norwegian cooking at many varied dining facilities.

FISH trout in a stream or watch and/or participate in unique athletic events.

VISIT homes where the elegance of the past still lingers.

WANDER on the modern campus of Luther College overlooking the scenic Upper Iowa river valley.

DRINK coffee in the Norwegian cabin at the Norwegian-American Museum.

VIEW the first national exhibition of rosemaling or an exhibit of local painting (begins Thursday). 

DANCE to old time music in the streets or watch folk dancers in native dress.

SEE the traditional parade of children in native costume on Thursday.

Many other attractions and events, too numerous to mention, are being planned.

The Decorah area offers a variety of modern living accommodations, including choice camp sights. Write to Nordic Fest, P.O. Box 364 or the Decorah Chamber of Commerce, Decorah, Iowa, 52101.

Nordic Fest: Founder Intentions

The first Nordic Fest promotional brochure, 1967

In 1999, Jaycee Nordic Fest founders Jerry Aulwes, Mike Dahly. Harry Olson, Darrell Pierce and Gary Svenson decided to reflect on their original intentions in organizing Nordic Fest in communication to the Nordic Fest board, recounted here: 

The Nordic Fest was founded as a cultural non-commercial event to promote goodwill and fellowship among the people in and around Decorah, Iowa...to act as hosts for and attract visitors from elsewhere: and, in general, promote the welfare and appeal of Decorah and the surrounding area to others. 

We intended to focus attention to the culture, places, educational, arts and businesses that are historically rooted in Decorah and the area, and generally available to visitors any time of the year, not just during Nordic Fest.

The unique appeal of Decorah/Nordic Fest is that visitors are impressed that we respect our ancestry, their contributions and are proud enough to preserve and showcase these contributions, in a low key, non-commercial way. 

Whether you've attended one Nordic Fest, all 48, or somewhere in between, how do you think Nordic Fest is doing on these original intentions as expressed 15 years ago by the Jaycee members who founded the event, and who were joined by Phyllis Leseth and Dr. Marion Nelson? 

Nordic Fest: Worthy of a Return Since Year One

Cousins whose mothers are from Decorah prepare to join the 2008 Nordic Fest Barnetog (Children's Parade)

As plans came together for the first Nordic Fest in 1967, big news came: screen and theatre actress Peggy Wood, known for her roles as strong-willed Scandinavian mother Marta Hansen in the television show Mama (1949-1957), which was based on the Broadway play I Remember Mama as well as Mother Abess from Sound of Music (1965) would be an honored guest at the first Nordic Fest. 

What were Peggy's impressions of her first visit to Decorah, in 1967 for the first Nordic Fest? 

As recalled in the Thursday, July 25, 1991 Decorah Newspapers Nordic Fest edition (on the occasion of the 25th year): 

"I saw a little boy who carried a Norwegian flag in one hand, and you know what he had in his other hand? His bottle. It was too delightful to forget. I am sure everyone who was there vowed to come to the second Nordic Fest next July. It was a charming experience. I shall never forget it." 

What was your moment that made you know you wanted to return to the following year's Nordic Fest? 

It Comes with Being Part of the Community: A First Nordic Fest Memory

Lila and Marion Nelson

Photo courtesy  Vesterheim, used with permission,  taken circa 1991

Recently, Lila Nelson agreed to be interviewed for the #nordicfest50 project. For a brief overview of Lila's many contributions to Vesterheim and Nordic Fest, click here. 

Lila shared a particularly neat story about the first Nordic Fest, shared here in her own words: 

"One of the things that delighted me so was that it was important for Marion not only that the Museum have a good showing, but when there was street activity - street dancing, he felt it was very important that we had to be out there taking part in that.

I can remember that when they started the music in the evening in the streets. At first, no one was going out and dancing. Marion said, 'Alright, we have to get out there and dance!' 

Well, that was the last thing I wanted to do, because I am just not the kind of person who likes to go out there. But we did it! I can remember starting to dance and the bands kind of picking it up. Pretty soon, the street dancing was just delightful. Everyone was doing it."

Lila reports that first Nordic Fest dance she and Marion helped get started was a fast waltz. 

Thank you, Lila and Marion for your many contributions to getting Nordic Fest started, including that first street dance! 

Nordic Fest: New Memories, Experiences and Fans Every Year

Many Nordic Fest stories include tales from people who have enjoyed the event every year, or at least wish they could be in attendance every year. The rich traditions of Nordic Fest and its tendency to attract repeat visitors makes it easy to forget that for nearly five decades, each Nordic Fest has been a first experience for some of the event's guests. 

This year, University of Northern Iowa running back and NFL prospect David Johnson attended his first Nordic Fest and won the Nordic Rock Throw, launching his 100 pound rock an impressive 37 feet, 7 inches. 

In a recent interview with Darin Svenson, David had this to share about his Nordic Rock throw and Nordic Fest experiences: 

"My girlfriend Meghan Brock, her mom is from Decorah, so she asked me to do it. She told me about the Nordic days. She asked if I wanted to throw a rock. I said, 'I've never thrown one, so I might as well try it.' We went up there. It was a fun time," said David Johnson.

"Do you have any training that compared to doing something like that, or was that maybe unique to things you've done in the past?" asked Darin Svenson.

"Definitely didn't have any training. Definitely a unique thing. The rock wasn't smooth, it had lumps in it. It was something new to me. It was fun!" 

First time Nordic Fests offer a special time to start a legacy of memories. What first time Nordic Fest experiences stand out in your mind for you, your friends or family? 

Secrets to the Nordic Rock Throw: Elliott Christen Guest Post

The Nordic Rock Throw is one of the events that has taken place for each of the nearly 50 years of Nordic Fest. To gain perspective on this interesting piece of Nordic sport, who better to go to than the man who's been running it for nearly all of those years? 

Today's guest post comes from Decorah sports and education legend Elliott Christen. To leave a comment for the author please email nordicfest50 at gmail dot com and the message will be forwarded. Thank you! 

We moved to Decorah in 1970 and I was asked to help "run the Rock Throw." Pretty much every year since then, I've been in charge of the event (publicity, ordering ribbons, getting volunteers, many of whom show up without being called!) 

For 40 years, the Rock Throw was held on the John Cline School field, where without a regular rain in the summer, the field could be as hard as a rock. 

One year, it was held across the street from the school. We ended up with a baseball game going on at the same time. The foul balls landed in the throwing area, so we moved back to John Cline. 

About five years ago, new tennis courts were built on the John Cline field, so the Rock Throw was moved to the Middle School. For two years, the rows watching were much smaller then they had been, but in 2014, a record crowd of entries and watchers showed up!

Results are always turned into the Decorah Newspapers and printed the following week, and also reported to the radio stations. 

This one record we continue to publicize was set in 2003 by Dan Anderson from Decorah, now a teacher and coach at MFL . Dan threw the 100 pound rock 54 feet, 7 inches! Dan continues to return and enter, placing second this year.  

Our daughter Jana (Christen) Albers won the women's throw six times. She's athletic, lettering in three sports at DHS, including the state golf championship in 1981.

It's a fun event, much like the shot put in track. The only difference is the measurement takes place to where the rock stops rolling! So the secret is to get the rock rolling like a bowling ball! 

Decorah Posten: An Early Trumpet Call for Nordic Fest

Source: By Orf3us (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Decorah has a rich history of immigrants and their descendants from Norway. One of the ways this history beautifully manifested itself with the nearly 100 years (1874-1972) of publication of the Decorah Posten, a Norwegian language newspaper founded by Bynhild Anundsen, an immigrant from Skien, Norway. 

The Decorah Posten had a wide circulation among Norwegian Americans in the Upper Midwest. Historical pieces of the Decorah Posten era are now a part of the collection at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum there. 

The later years of publication of The Decorah Posten coincided with the early years of Nordic Fest, which started in 1967. 

The late Gary Svenson, one of the Nordic Fest co-founders recalled to his daughter the critical role the Decorah Posten played in reaching an audience passionate about celebrating its heritage. 

"Thanks to the Decorah Posten helping spread the word, Nordic Fest was able to connect with nearby immigrants who saw this new event as an opportunity to celebrate their heritage. This was an important transformation from when I was growing up, when my parents spoke in Norwegian only in secret and at home. Nordic Fest represented a new beginning for them  and so many immigrants who could now demonstrate their pride publicly, building on the many strengths for doing so already present in Decorah," Gary said.

What memories of the Decorah Posten do you have, either directly or through your family?

Nordic Fest: Visuals Everywhere

As Nordic Fest time comes around in Decorah each year, all sorts of visuals across town represent a deep community support and pride in cultural heritage. Those visuals include:

• The Whippy Dip sign, which in 2014 bore the "May the Norsk Be With You" Nordic Fest theme 
• Countless homes in the community displaying both an American and a Norwegian flag 
• Flag strands throughout the Downtown Decorah area representing all five Scandinavian county flags: Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark and Finland, followed by the American flag and hung in that order, left to right. 
• Bunads everywhere, even when the Iowa heat and humidity steam things up
• The red food booths moved into place along Water Street the week of Nordic Fest
• The orange and white barricades that are put into place along Water Street and at the Courthouse Square to allow guests to fully move about and enjoy Nordic Fest without the danger of traffic
• Countless gatherings of friends and family in homes in the Decorah area include tasty celebrations of the community's Nordic heritage, as pictured above from a 2014 family Nordic Fest gathering

When many Norwegian immigrants ended up settling in the Decorah area, the only allegiance they surrendered in becoming United States citizens was political. Cultural allegiance is still encouraged. With Vesterheim, Nordic Fest and other community treasures, Decorah offers the perfect ingredients for Nordic visuals everywhere. 

What is your favorite Nordic Fest visual? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Nordic Fest: Everyone Does Their Part

Did you enjoy the recently completed 48th annual Nordic Fest? 

Are you holding your calendar to come to the 49th annual Nordic Fest?

In reviewing photographs in the Nordic Fest archives, I came across the above undated photo of one of the incredible Norwegian dinners at Decorah Lutheran Church. 

It struck me that this photo is a good visual representation of what it really takes for Decorah to make Nordic Fest happen over nearly five decades:

• There are lots of needs and many seats to be filled.
• Year in and year out, those seats are filled by incredibly dedicated volunteers. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who's lived in Decorah for any length of time who hasn't filled at least one volunteer chair to make Nordic Fest happen.
• Of particular note is the very behind the scenes, very dedicated members of the Nordic Fest board across the nearly five decades. They're much like the cooks unseen in the kitchen at the very back of this photo. You may not always see them, but none of this would happen without them. To each and every Nordic Fest board member, thank you for your leadership! 
• The yummy church meals and all aspects of Nordic Fest create forever memories in the minds of all the people who enjoy them - the volunteers, the guests and everyone. 
• A list of everyone who's volunteered either directly for Nordic Fest or for one of the many nonprofits who are official vendors at Nordic Fest would make for a big, heavy book in and of itself. 
• Although the exact names and faces of people sitting in specific chairs have changed over the years, the core experience of Nordic Fest has remained the same.

Congratulations to the many, many volunteers who made the 48th annual Nordic Fest (and each event prior) a tremendous success! 

Guest Post from Darin Svenson: Nordic Fest Lutefisk Eating Contest

Decorah Mayor David Nelson, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, State Representative Paul Johnson, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Robert Lounsberry participate in the Nordic Fest Lutefisk Eating Contest in a moment believed to be from the early 1980's

As the 48th Nordic Fest just wrapped up in Decorah, this week's post comes from Darin Svenson, emcee of the Lutefisk Eating Contest. Darin may be reached at darinsvenson at gmail dot com. 

It's human nature to love competition: the desire to be the best at something, to be challenged by a worthy foe. to put hard work and dedication together while hoping for a little bit of luck.  With the Nordic Fest Lutefisk Eating Contest, the most unique competition my voice has narrated in my 19 year broadcasting career, it takes a cast iron stomach, unique taste buds, a sense of adventure and the ability to go where few would even consider.

The Lutefisk Eating Contest is traditionally held on Saturday afternoon of Nordic Fest. Some very willing Fest volunteers allow their home to give up a normal scent to cook the delicacy of Norwegian champions. Prior to the contest, it's necessary to place enough protective plastic in Courthouse Square. If not, the Nordic Dancers' last performance later that evening could be a memorable one for the wrong reasons. 

Most competitions have willing participants who plan their schedules months in advance. The Nordic Fest Lutefisk Eating Contest has some of those. Others come with trepidation. Others may lose bets with friends and family. I'm sure there is a triple dog dare or two. The folks from EWALU Bible Camp are usually the most adventurous. Some become lifelong fans of the special Norwegian delicacy. 

Completing a task one is not a true test of a champion. Anything thinking one bowl of lutefisk will determine immortality: think again. Blind squirrels can find nuts. Scoring a first inning run in baseball, scoring a touchdown on the first drive of a football game will not clinch victory. To do something similar in the Lutefisk Eating Contest would be cheating the art of competition. And fans in attendance wouldn't get their money's worth, although it's a free event. 

The preliminaries of this event are used to separate the contenders from the pretenders. The contenders swallow in one fell swoop. The pretenders hold their nose, often left wondering how in the world anyone can consume stuff. Some regurgitation occurs. Twenty contestants move down to ten, then ten to five. Then the real fun begins. 

Even to fans of lutefisk, consuming is one thing. Putting a bowl upside down on their heads and leaving the remnants in their hair so multiple bottles of Head and Shoulders are needed to remove the smell is quite another.  As a bonus, dandruff is immediately eliminated and any possibility of lice is gone for the rest of their lives. A final winner usually takes 5, 6, or 7 bowls. And bring your friends. It often comes down to a popular vote, albeit an unscientific one. 

Prizes usually include Helga Horns, a chef's hat, or a Got Lutefisk? shirt. But honor, prestige and glory are what being a champion is all about. Scoring a basket with five seconds left is one thing. But consuming seven bowls of something that smells like the inside of someone's gym bag within half an hour is truly going where few are willing to go. To the victor go the spoils. When it comes to the Nordic Fest Lutefisk Eating contest, that's a lot more than a cliche. 

A Nordic Fest Salute to Lila Nelson

Photo courtesy: Holm Collection, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Archives, Decorah, Iowa, used with permission 

One primary resource for the #nordicfest50 project is the handmade book assembled for entering Nordic Fest into the State and National Jaycee Project of the Year contests in 1968. The book includes many Decorah Newspapers articles published before and after the first Nordic Fest in 1967. 

Throughout those articles, the name of Lila Nelson appears frequently as a dedicated, passionate organizer. Lila's late husband, Marion Nelson was the first executive director of an independent Vesterheim and a Nordic Fest founder. The news accounts of that first year make it clear that Marion had a tireless and equally passionate Norwegian heritage and Nordic Fest work partner in Lila.

Among her many contributions, Lila served as Vesterheim's first textile curator for a total of 27 years. She also served as Vesterheim registrar and was very active with the museum's folk art education program. Together, Lila and Marion cataloged and started conservation of 16,000 Vesterheim artifacts. 

In 2000, the Norwegian government bestowed upon Lila the prestigious St. Olaf's Medal in recognition of the worldwide impact of her preservation efforts and contemporary revival of traditional Norwegian textile arts, especially weaving, as she demonstrates in the above photo. The Lila Nelson Weaving Classroom at Vesterheim also recognizes her incredible dedication. Many of her weavings now grace the Vesterheim collection. 

As thousands prepare to gather in Decorah later this week for the 48th Nordic Fest, it is the perfect time to salute Lila for being such a critical part of bringing together the first Nordic Fest and perpetuating its success. Thank you, Lila! 

Pokey Pete Returning to Decorah Thursday, July 24

For 20 years, Ernest E. Petersen, otherwise known at Pokey Pete, brought trains he built to Nordic Fest and many other events throughout Eastern Iowa. Children rode rides on Pokey's train for ten cents. All proceeds were donated to charity. Upon his retirement from this loving venture, one of his trains, L'il Pokey, was gifted to Nordic Fest. 

To celebrate this rich part of Nordic Fest history, Ernest will be returning to Decorah just before the 48th annual Nordic Fest on Thursday, July 24. The confirmed schedule for the day is as follows:

• Open House at the party room of the Decorah Pizza Ranch, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Those who attend are encouraged to bring cards, notes and/or photos to leave with Pokey in appreciation for his 20 years at Nordic Fest, as well as his gift of L’il Pokey. For those who cannot attend, comments may be left on this blog.
• For those wanting to eat lunch while there, Pizza Ranch buffet will be available for purchase
• Visit with Decorah Lions and L’il Pokey train at Hawkeye Stages, 2 p.m
• Pokey will review the train and restoration efforts being made by the Decorah Lions, who have been lovingly caring for the train since it was gifted to Decorah by Pokey in 1989.

Everyone is welcome at this special #nordicfest50 event. 

Background info on Ernest E. Petersen, AKA Pokey Pete (30 minute video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFI2gO5PenM

Nordic Fest Events of Yesteryear: The Norse Dialect Humor Show

An early Nordic Fest entertainment photo (L to R):
 Connie Bolson, Charlotte Hexom, Eunice Stoen and Paul Hexom. 
Photo courtesy of Paul Hexom, past Nordic Fest board president and longtime volunteer 

A particularly interesting part of #nordicfest50 research to date has been learning more about the events of yesteryear that delighted audiences for a portion of the five decades. One such event the wonderful Paul Hexom has been kind enough to share with me is the Norse Dialect Humor Show. 

This event took place at the 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1972 Nordic Fests to standing room only crowds. It was organized by Betty Nelson Seegmiller, who served as assistant to Dr. Marion Nelson at Vesterheim.

As the 1968 program states:

A favorite type of entertainment among early Norwegian-Americans is being revived with the presentation of the Norse Dialect Humor Show. Dialect songs grew to be very popular since pioneer days. Humorous dialect shows were a big success at county fairs and other public events in the Midwest. We hope their revival at the Nordic Fest will stir memories of many older visitors, as well as the interest of the younger generation with entertainment they may classify as "camp." 

Example pieces of those shows include the following presentations:

• The Nincompoop Song 
• Til Mabel's Vedding 
• The Object of My Affection by Yorgi Yorgensen 
• A Surprise for the Preacher 
• Just a Little Lefse Will Go A Long Way 
• Someone Spiked the Punch at Lena's Wedding

Performers in the Norse Dialect Humor Show included:

• Ellen Blegen
• Connie Bolson
• Karla Ellingson 
• Mrs. Agnes Estrem
• Scott Estrem
• Paul Hexom
• Mrs. Charles Houck 
• Curt Moen
• Gyda Norheim
• Victor Norheim 
• Ida Saquitne
• Melba Selland
• Thea Stoen

As the 48th Nordic Fest gets underway next week, what are your memories of the Norse Dialect Humor Show? What are your favorite Nordic Fest events of yesteryear?