"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?
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