Fest booths raise big bucks: guest post

Today's guest post from Decorah Newspapers staff member Roz Weis, a copyright article from 1990, is a good reminder of the tremendous good Nordic Fest has done over the years for area nonprofit organizations, a key non-commercial focus all 50 years that may not be universally understood. Used with permission. 

Whether you savored a piece of krumkake or delighted in a spicy varme polser during last weekend's Nordic Fest, you directly helped raise funds for worthwhile causes in the area. 

Local church groups sponsored Scandinavian smorgasbords and organizers reported standing-room-only crowds. Most churches sold out as avid Fest-goers sampled a delicious variety of local traditional Norwegian foods.

Beta Sigma Phi Sorority chapters in Decorah sponsored the varme polser booth on Water Stret all three days of the Fest. The booth served up the spicy potato sausages wrapped in lefse, as well as homemade potato donuts, coffee and soda pop. They volunteers raised approximately $3,500. After expenses, the funds will be used for several worthy causes. Members voted to use the majority of proceeds to purchase playground equipment for the handicapped in the Decorah School System. A portion of the money is annually earmarked for scholarships.

Sunflower Child Care Center of Decorah is $4,000 richer after volunteers manned the bratwurst booth during the Nordic Fest. According to Sunflower Director Kathy Schwartzhoff the funds will be used for playground equipment for the new center. The booth served bratwurst and sauerkraut, hot dogs, Norwegian sweet soup and soda pop. The annual bratwurst stand is the major fundraiser for the year for Sunflower workers. 

Sons of Norway Lodge in Decorah reports a banner year at their booth. The lodge members served lefse, meatballs, ligonberries (straight from Norway) rice cream (a rice dish with almost flavoring and fresh strawberry garnish), and beverages. Sons of Norway District President Don Olsen of Decorah said the booth was popular this year, having sold out of meatballs and lefse by Saturday afternoon. Funds raised in the booth are used to sponsor lodge activities, scholarship programs, and other causes.

Nordic Dancers sponsored another downtown food booth during the Fest, serving sandbakkels, rosettes, krumkake and kringle. Proceeds from the booth total approximately $1,500 after expenses and are added to the group's main trip fund. (for a large trip taken near the end of ten years' performing at Nordic Fest and many other events). 

Decorah Band Boosters report a very good weekend, with proceed totals not available at press time. Coordinator Donna Sailor said the funds will go towards the purchase of new band uniforms at the high school as the program will be enlarged when the high school expands to a four-year program. The Band Boosters served kransekake (Norwegian wedding cake), ice cream sandwiches. lemonade and ice tea.

Decorah Jaycees continued a long tradition selling Danish Aebelskivers (a puff pancake served with a variety of sweet toppings),  Organizers report a big crowd this year, with a continuous stream of customers during the three-day Fest. The group had sold out by early Sunday afternoon. The $800 in proceeds will used towards the many local organizations and causes supported by the group during the year.

The young members of the Glenwood Future Homemakers 4-H Club sold out of sandbakkels during the Fest, with a total amount of proceeds not yet available. Organizers said the funds will be used for the group's summer club trip, and for the community projects sponsored during the year. 

Waffles with ice cream and fruit toppings drew Fest-goers to the Luther College Basketball team's booth in downtown Decorah. Rolf Kopperud, organized, said nearly $1,000 was raised, with funds earmarked for the team's trip to Iceland or Norway next year. They take an international trip every four years.

The Northeast Iowa Refugee Coordination Services Agency sponsored a krumkake demonstration and sale during the Fest for the first time this year. The group raised over $500 after expenses, and matching funds are being donated by the Winnake Branch of Lutheran Brotherhood. The money will be used to help refugees in Northeast Iowa for education purposes, according to Midge Kjome, coordinator of the project.

Several other organizations, including the Decorah Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps, Decorah Flying Club, Winneshiek Beef Producers, Winneshiek Pork Producers, American Lutheran Church Men and Good Shepherd Women sponsored booths with Scandinavian baked goods, sandwiches and beverages.

As the year of the 50th Nordic Fest is about to start, a toast to 50 years of:

• Hard working bakers and cooks
• Hard working booth volunteers
• Hungry patrons who make a difference for great Decorah area organizations with their Nordic Fest purchases! 

Fest visitors leave impressions: guest post part II

The following copyright article by the late Pat Maloney appeared in the Decorah Newspapers following the 1989 Nordic Fest. Used with permission. The first part of this article appeared last week. 

Clarence and Blanche Haas of Dubuque attended their second Nordic Fest, arriving Sunday but still in time to enjoy the "real nice music and dancing, cute little train, polka band and children's activities." Clarence reported working in Decorah with the Civilian Conservation Corps back in 1940, during which the city's system of dikes was built.

Al and Elaine Webbeking of Waterloo attended the 1989 Nordic Fest only on Sunday but described themselves as regular customers.

"We've come about every year for at least the past 15 years," they said. "The Fest is very well organized. We're members of the museum so enjoy that of course. We also enjoy the crafts and demonstrations, and buy all the goodies." 

John and Esther McDermid arrived Saturday morning from their home at Lake Kabekona in northern Minnesota. This was their third visit to a Nordic Fest, but the fourth year John has taken carving classes at Vesterheim from Phillip Odden. They expressed a liking for the Norwegian crafts, and were impressed by the "completeness of the Fest program. It's a tremendous undertaking." 

After realizing the extent of Nordic Fest activities, Dean and Darlene Michels of New Haven promised "next year we'll come earlier" after witnessing only Sunday's program in their first Fest visit. They enjoyed "different window displays, dancers and quilt show." 

Traveling together were Russ and Vicki Warner of Mount Vernon and Elwood and Dorothy Breidenbach of Clinton for a limited Fest stay Sunday. The Warners attended their first last year and were impressed enough to return. They listed their favorites as "the Norwegian history that makes Decorah unique, crafts, the museum and a lot of nice wood crafts."

David and Jodi Buzzell of Davenport and their two children, Nicole and Steven, were appreciative of Decorah's hospitality after arriving Saturday for their first Fest visit. "The people have been really friendly," they said. "There was neat music wherever we went that got you in the spirit. The costumed dancing was really nice and we also like the museum and tasting the demonstration food." 

Terri Hamon of Waterloo laughed about enjoying the shopping in Decorah during her first Nordic Fest visit, but she and her husband Paul, and two children also got a kick out of the unusual "window shopping" they were offered here. "We like the Norwegian culture," they said, "and a lot of the elderly generation were doing baking in stores. A lot of artifacts were displayed in store windows, which obviously took a great deal of effort."

Many "neighbors" also paid Decorah Nordic Fest visits. Those contacted on Water Street Sunday gave home addresses as Cresco, Waukon and Calmar. 

Fest visitors leave impressions: guest post part I

The following copyright article by the late Pat Maloney appeared in the Decorah Newspapers following the 1989 Nordic Fest. Used with permission. 

The "lasting power" of Decorah's Nordic Fest was demonstrated Sunday by some interviews with "late" fest visitors.

Of 10 visiting couples who gave Decorah Newspapers impressions of their brief stay here, seven drove to Decorah Sunday, missing the first two days of the crowded activity schedule. Many locals consider Sunday the "winding down day" of the Fest, but it was still busy at mid-afternoon. 

But the tardy arrivals weren't all because of choice. Melvin and Louise Doty of Grinnell, attending their second Nordic Fest, reporting trying "for the last four or five years to get a motel reservation, and we finally came Saturday after getting in at the Cliff House on a cancellation. We've already made our reservation for next year's Fest." 

The Dotys, like most visitors, liked everything about the 1989 Fest that concluded late Sunday afternoon. Louise Doty is the Norwegian in the family, taking her husband to Norway in 1982 and visiting 11 first cousins. The listed their Fest favorites as "the parade, street music, the Nordic trio, sampling food demonstrations, the Wiscandia group, the gospel sing at the theater, story telling, and the First Lutheran Church dinner." 

Three sisters from Fargo, N.D. attended the Fest while visiting another sister living in Decorah, Irene Haugen. Attending their first Fest were Grace Gangnes, Frances Dahlen and Ardyce Grant, all of Fargo and of Norwegian descent. They liked "the excellent parade, especially the floats, the various street bands, the crafts and Farm Bureau women's chorus concert at the Methodist Church, and wish we were young enough to ride the train." They reported Fargo has similar food demonstrations at its annual Pioneer Village.

Marshall and Lenora Matejcek (she's the Norwegian) of Cedar Rapids enjoyed the "old Norwegian homes, craft booths, and storytellers, but we were disappointed that we missed some of the activities." Lenora's grandparents came from Norway.

Stop by next week for additional 1989 Nordic Fest visitor impressions! 

Anne Rockefeller Attended the 1968 Nordic Fest

Renowned local accordion player Hans Aschim and Anne Rockefeller at the 1968 Nordic Fest. Photo courtesy of Ruth Ann Sacquitne

In 1968, Nelson Rockefeller was seeking the Republican nomination for President of the United States. His Sogne, Norway-born daughter-in-law Anne took a campaign respite by attending the 1968 Nordic Fest, her first visit to Decorah. As the Iowa Caucus approaches in 2016, it's hard to imagine a campaign break for anyone involved! 

Anne was especially attracted to Nordic Fest via the Folk Music Festival hosted by the Norwegian-American Museum, now known as Vesterheim. She participated in the festival via singing and playing the zither, an lifelong instrument of interest for her. 

Norwegian American Museum board members Peter Strong and Berent Friele were close associates of Anne's who helped make her Nordic Fest visit happen. She also served on the Broadway benefit committee for the Museum in 1966. 

For her visit, she was accompanied by Mrs. Lorina Cooper, president of the American-Scandinavian Foundation. 

Also of note from the 1968 Nordic Fest: A committee chaired by Mrs. Roy Carlson, Mrs. Karl Norgaard and Mrs. J.W, Ylvisaker planned a Saturday evening dinner at First Lutheran Church. A total of 840 guests were served. 

Which special Nordic Fest guests come to mind when you reflect on your Nordic Fest experiences? 

Welcome to the Fest, and don't be a stranger: guest post

The following Decorah Newspapers copyright staff editorial appeared in conjunction with the 1989 Nordic Fest. Used with permission. 

To those first-time "Norwegians," the entire community of Decorah would like to welcome you to the 23rd annual Nordic Fest celebration and hope you enjoy your stay. To those veteran Fest-goers, it's great to have you back.

"Dreams of Norway," this year's Fest theme, officially will get underway at 10:30 a.m. Friday in front of the Winneshiek County Courthouse, and the opening ceremony is one event that shouldn't be missed. All the color and pageantry of the Fest comes to life, and this year's ceremony will include a special appearance by renowned accordionist Myron Floren, the grand marshal of this year's parade.

From there on out, Festers can enjoy three days of activities and good food, with the closing ceremonies taking place at 3 p.m. Sunday, also at the courthouse square.

While the Fest has changed and evolved over the course of two decades, it's core remains solid. What the Nordic Fest offers is good, clean fun for the entire family. This is the way Fest organizers want it to remain, and is one aspect of the celebration that keeps bringing people back to Decorah during the last weekend in July.

They like the fact they do not have to contend with, or expose their children to, people who have had one too many drinks and making a food of themselves.

If any questions should arise during your stay, please contact the main information center located under the large tent near City Hall, and in case of an emergency stop at any telephone and dial 911. 

There are an endless number of things to do at the Fest, we also encourage visitors to take some time out to view the beauty of Decorah and the surrounding area. When you mention Iowa to people who live in different states or countries, their vision is one of endless miles of flat crop land. Many are shocked when they first drive into the Oneota Valley and see what a beautiful community we have here.

We can't count the number of times we've heard visitors exclaim, "I had no idea Iowa could be this beautiful."

Well, it can be and it is. And, perhaps more importantly, the people of Iowa are even more beautiful. They are friendly, sincere and will go out of their way to make strangers feel welcome.

During the three-day Nordic Fest, there are no strangers in Decorah. Enjoy yourself, be careful and thanks for coming. Hope to see you again next year. 

Decorah Newspapers Team, Past and Present: Mange Tusen Takk Only Starts the Proper Appreciation

Pictured in 2010 or 2011 are then-Decorah Newspaper staff members: Front from left are:
Julie Berg Raymond, Dawn Austin, Amy Usgaard, Tyler Strand, Jennifer Bissell, and Sandra Arnold ; and back row, from left: Rick Fromm, Sarah Strandberg, Rhonda Bergan, Stephanie Langreck, Roz Weis, Julie Ude, Tanya O’Connor, and Lissa Blake. Newsroom, sports department, advertising, production, and the administrative office are all represented in the picture. Photo courtesy Decorah Newspapers.

Throughout the 50-year history of Nordic Fest, the team at the Decorah Newspapers has tirelessly reported, snapped photos, and shared their editorial passion for Nordic Fest in fine journalism form. An important part of that crew is pictured above.

Many hours have been spent reviewing the Nordic Fest archives to piece together history for this blog and the pending book to be published in 2016. Partially because its print format is a natural fit for archives and more because of their commitment to excellence, the team pictured above and many more over the years provide both the backbone and the foundation for this #nordicfest50 project.

With these Decorah Newspaper articles, I don't have any of the current worries about information validity that require skepticism today. Although "perfection" is a pursuit that both eludes and motivates most mere human beings, the efforts put forth by Decorah Newspapers team over the decades are both admirable and worthy of a deep mange tusen takk this Thanksgiving week!

To all the current and previous members of the Decorah Newspapers team who conduct the myriad of steps involved to make deadline and ensure Nordic Fest is part of the Decorah community story, thank you.

To all current and previous members of the overall Decorah media over 50 years - radio, print and now online, thank you for five decades of sharing the news of Nordic Fest!

Bunads: An Important Part of Each Nordic Fest

Norma Wangsness and her daughter, Le Ann Wangsness-Bahr during the 2014 Nordic Fest parade. Photo courtesy of Marilee Reinertson Torres, http://i-mrt.blogspot.com/ 

Back on September 21, we last explored the topic of the Bunad Show, an important part of the authenticity of Nordic Fest since 1973.

Since the first Nordic Fest in 1967, local residents have been encouraged to sport authentic Norwegian costumes during Nordic Fest and many do, even during years of oppressive heat. 

The Wangsness family of Decorah often come to mind when people think of the colorful bunads of Nordic Fest. Using just one example from the photo above:

Le Ann Wangsness-Bahr of Maple Grove, Minn., originally from Decorah wears her "Princess" bunad from East Telemark. The black wool gaberdine fabric is embroidered in brilliant wool crewel and french knots. The loom-woven "Broad Belt" and head piece complete this bunad.

The bunad was created by Le Ann's mother Norma, who is among many in Decorah who have been answering the call to authenticity and warm welcome to guests to enjoy Nordic Fest and return for more than 50 years, always wearing a beautiful smile like Norma is pictured with above. 

How do those sporting these wool bunads much more appropriate for this time of year work during the soaring heat and humidity of Nordic Fest?

Norma shares a secret: she's sewn pockets into her bunad that each hold an ice packet to help cool her down! 

Thank you, Norma, Le, Linda and the entire Wangsness family for all you bring to the Bunad Show, Nordic Fest and all that you do for Decorah!

Nordic Fest 1979: A Brief Snapshot

The following copyright piece serves as the opening to the 1979 Nordic Fest Souvenir edition of the Decorah Newspapers mailed separately to all subscribers, publication date Thursday, July 26, 1979, the day before the stat of that year's Nordic Fest. Used with permission. 

Nordic Fest is...a celebration of roots...a look into yesterday...a festival of arts and crafts...a tasty experience...an enjoyable, inexpensive weekend...a time for museum-going...a community effort for Decorah.

The 16th annual community affair takes the old roots from the Scandinavian countries and celebrates them with the new. For the three-day event, everyone's just a bit Scandinavian. 

In celebration of tradition, this celebration has become a tradition. Certain events change each year but the continuing favorites are back to entertain crowds which totaled 60,000 last year. 

This souvenir edition containing information of this year's Fest and photos from last year's celebration also includes the official program in the back.

Vaer so god!

Other interesting notes about the 1979 Nordic Fest:

• This is the year the Junior Nordic Dancers debuted their black with red and green trim costumes still in use in 2015
• 1979 was the second year for the Nordic Fest Elvelopet (River Run) 
• The Farm Bureau Women's Chorus presented a Christmas in July concert 
• The Good Shepherd Puppeteers and their handmade puppets entertained children for the sixth consecutive year, this time with "Three Billy Goats Gruff"

Fest founded to promote Decorah, area: guest post

The first Nordic Fest program in 1967

The following copyright editorial appeared in the Thursday, May 23, 1991 

edition of the Decorah Newspapers. Used with permission. 

Dear Editor,

As past and present board member of the Nordic Fest, in response to comments made recently, we feel it is appropriate to review the philosophy of the Fest.

Nordic Fest was founded as a cultural, non-commercial family orientated event celebration of the Decorah area's ethnic background.

It was planned to promote the attractions of our beautiful city and scenic area, and to be an event for families to enjoy at minimum expense. For 25 years, the generosity of the community has made this possible. In return, Decorah has received favorable free publicity throughout the nation. Unquestionably, increased tourism has made a noticeable impact upon our economy.

Many questionnaires completed by Fest visitors indicate their desire to return to the area because of the warm hospitality experience and the absence of commercialism and price gouging during the Fest. Therefore, local businesses can expect profits from these forthcoming visits. Some merchants consider their donations to the Fest as an investment to the future of their business. 

Since the formation of the Fest, Luther College, Vesterheim and Decorah Community Schools have been totally supportive. Vesterheim has always sponsored displays and demonstrations of Norwegian crafts, including the prestigious national folk arts exhibitions - all at no cost to the public. The museum also has brought and paid for numerous artisans to demonstrate during the Fest. Vesterheim should not be criticized for charging the customary, modest entrance fee to its complex. This is one of its sources of operating revenue.

Luther makes its entire campus available for the Fest, including much-needed dormitory space. The college furnishes shuttle buses and driers to and from the campus, personnel to guide the popular Troll Walk, and offers lectures and displays. In addition, the Dorian Opera Theater enhances the Fest program, with its professionally produced musicals. 

Each year at the annual meeting the board asses the operation of the Fest and strongly encourages suggestions from the public.

Jane Bullard, '91 Fest President, and board members past and present 

Mange tusen takk for Nordic Fest support

Creative Commons photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zooboing/

The following letter to the editor appeared in the Decorah Newspapers following the 1994 Nordic Fest. Used with permission. 

Dear Editor:

On behalf of myself and the Nordic Fest Board of Directors, I would like to give a warm and hearty thanks to everyone who helped make Decorah's 28th annual Nordic Fest a success. 

It truly would not be possible without the full and complete cooperation we have from countless businesses, organizations and individuals. Together we, the citizens of Decorah, make things happen. And it's very much appreciated.

Many of us hear visitors express comments on how much they enjoyed the 1994 Nordic Fest and its varied activities. From young to old, lots of fun was had. I have strong suspicions that many of these folks will come back to Decorah in the future. Let's hope so.

If you have not had the opportunity to get involved in the Nordic Fest, please consider it. When you volunteer, you will meet interesting and friendly folks as well as be the good Samaritan an organization or individual needs - and hundreds of hands are needed.

Also, if you care to have visitors stay in your home, you may just find a new and valued friend. When our motels and dorms are full, the modest prices charged for a comfortable bed and bath in a private home may be just the little boost a family's income needs to help cover the cost of something special. This income is well-deserved for the efforts of giving your home the "spit and polish" treatment that makes a visitor feel they're in good hands.

I'm very grateful for the spirit of Decorah and its citizens - urban and rural. It's a great thing to share and that's just what we do - at Nordic Fest. Mange tusen takk.

Cindy Johnson, Decorah

President 1994 Nordic Fest

Nordic Fest routine remains the same: guest post

The following copyright editorial appeared in a post-Nordic Fest 2001 edition of the Decorah Newspapers and was authored by the late Margaret Gulsvig.  Used with permission. 
To learn more about Margaret's life, click here. See August 31 for another of Margaret's Nordic Fest columns.

It is now five years since yours truly's opinion first emerged on the opinion page of this paper.

I'd been at Nordic Fest for about the 100th time, and as I drove back to Wisconsin, I found myself mentally writing my opinion about the weekend and somehow it got in the mail.

Actually, I'd spent the week at Lutherlag at the college (love Lutherlag) just as I'd often done, and one of my classmates said, "Hey, I saw your opinion in the paper."

I've hardly ever missed a Nordic Fest. Once, I'd even taken tickets at the Museum when a group came through from Roland, Iowa. I naively asked if anyone knew a lady named Cora.

"Of course," they said. "Why do you ask?" Well, Cora had been my baptismal sponsor way, way back and I'd always wanted to meet her. It was just one of the typically odd things that you could plan on developing at Nordic Fest. Last year, a long lost cousin from Minnesota was here asking people how to get in touch with me. 

My Nordic Fest routine has always been pretty much the same. First, there's always been a dinner at Washington Prairie where a cousin stood ready to dish up coleslaw and trimmings. 

Parade day is always sitting on the courthouse lawn watching the parade with Bob and Bard - all of it great. But when traffic problems rerouted the parade straight down Water Street, it made curb-sitters out of all ages. Sitting on the curb is okay and there's always good memories of the grandeur of that courthouse lawn. However, sitting curbside once even resulted in us exchanging Christmas cards with those beside us.

And then it was walking up and down Water Street, sampling the wares, some being made inside the store windows, then perching again on the sidewalk curb to take in the entertainment: great music often by beautifully dressed dancers from Norway, great juggling guys and an outfit that made incredible Danish muffins. But don't forget varme polse - a great name for hot dogs.

It was a long, hot walk down what some still call North Alley to see the rosemaling, the wood caring, the Norwegian stitchery of all kinds, as well as sampling sumptuous salivary sustenance along the way, savoring the steak sandwiches created by nearby rural gentlemen farmers, and later trying to decide which church offered the best menu, ending up trying them all.

Meanwhile, the college helped move the traffic with vans offering trips from there, where many visitors found lodging. Local citizens are also in the routine of renting sleep accommodations for the weekend. 

Finally, let's not forget the opera - to show Scandinavian culture is a vital part of the celebration. Yours truly still chokes up remembering the fiddler who played so beautifully from the roof of the stage setting one year at - what else? "Fiddler on the Roof."

Sift it all together and you have Nordic Fest, with cooperation of one and all spelling SUCCESS. Grandma and grandpa must be very proud as they peek down on this great weekend celebration in honor of their coming to this world.

It's five years since someone bumbled into me and announced, "I saw your article." Thanks to one Mr. Fromm, who condescends to publish my sentiments periodically, as well as to all who have made comments, including 100-year-old Lettie Wright, who agreed with my diatribe about email, honoring my mailbox with lovely pink stationery containing a beautifully handwritten letter.

Mange take, one and all - and while you are here - Ta det med ro! 

Past presidents were 2000 Nordic Fest Grand Marshals

Past Nordic Fest Presidents during the 2000 event

As Helen Grant Schmidt reminded us in last week's post, past Nordic Fest presidents served as grand marshals of the 2000 Nordic Fest. Those who served in this special leadership role up until that time, most of whom are pictured above, include:

• Harry Olson, Jr., 1967-1968
• Gary Svenson, 1969-1971
• Paul Hexom, 1972
• Dennis Roseland, 1973
• Phyllis Leseth, 1974
• Hub Christian, 1975-1977, 1979
• Marilyn Roverud, 1978, 1980
• Sue Miller, 1981
• Joellyn Howell, 1982
• Barbara Amundson, 1983
• Chris Haugen, 1984
• Julie Wurtzel, 1985, 1990
• Cam Forde, 1986
• Maureen Yahr, 1987, 1992
• Cindy Wolmedorf, 1988
• Nancy Ruen, 1989
• Jane Bullard, 1991
• Gary Rustad, 1993
• Cindy Johnson, 1994
• Chuck Lore, 1995
• Clark Goltz, 1996
• Jill Amdahl, 1997
• Julie Ahrens, 1998
• Karen Worden, 1999

It is important to note that this list does not include those who served in this important volunteer role since that time, and also overlooks the board team each of these leaders worked with. This list is an important sampling of the kind of community dedication and year-round work that has made Nordic Fest a five decades strong success. 

Reflections on Fests past and present: guest post

Creative Commons photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/104815519@N08/

The following copyright editorial authored  by the late Helen Grant Schmidt of Decorah appeared in a 2000 issue of the Decorah Newspapers. Used with permission.  To learn more about Helen, click here. 

Nordic Fest is not for sissies - or for old folks whose feet have already walked at least a million miles. Most Decorah women devote at least one day of the Fest to preparing and serving food for their church or organization which not only takes some of the time they could have spent on exhibits and entertainment, but also takes a bit of starch out of the sails. (An old saying, for those who are asking, "What?")

I am one of those women so I must decide how much of the Fest I can take in with the time that remains. I begin with good intentions, but barely get started when those old, faithful feet and legs are screaming, "Stop, stop, I can't do this anymore." 

Therefore, when Rick, Sarah, Lisa, Karen and Brian take me to the events I missed, I am most grateful. As I study their great pictorial review, I must about the "good old days" of Nordic Fest when I was able to do it all. 

This year, I missed the weaving exhibit, the rosemaling display, which is always so lovely, the antiques (could I have added another hat pin to my collection?) and all the other demonstrations of arts and craft. I used to love wandering around and taking in all the beauty that was offered. 

I never missed a rock throw when the top contenders were Junior Rovang and a husky blond fellow whose real name eludes me because I always called him Champ.

And what fun it was to feel the residual spray as the Decorah Fire Department battled those of neighboring towns in the water fights. 

I don't remember if they had the run in the first Fests, but when I saw the picture of Trevor Satrom in the 15K Evelopet, I thought of a sleepy little boy I had to wake up from a nap now and then. How time flies.

The Vesterheim pictures take me back to the many Fests I spent playing "school marm" in the old schoolhouse as an outdoor division guide.

The Porter House was another place where I loved my guide duties. This year, their "Christmas in July" brought record-breaking crowds. The decorations by Judy Nye, Pam Mann, Kris Croatt and Midge Kjome were nothing less than spectacular. Lucky for me, I love across the street, not a long walk. 

The torchlight parade and bonfire and/or fireworks were always fun, but this year I "listened" to the fireworks from the comfort of my bed.

I love both groups of Nordic Dancers, and, through the yes, who among us has not watched their favorite dance his or her way to maturity? My particular favorite was Liz Hart.

Of course, I couldn't miss the parade. I carried my trusty lawn chair two and a half blocks to Water Street and sat back to enjoy. 

Nordic Fest began the same year I moved back to Decorah. The marching children always make me think of the early years and how cute Sandy, Candyce and Brandon were, marching in the Norwegian costumes I made for them. Randy marched with the Boy Scouts along with Grandpa Fred Grant, a Silver Beaver Scout. 

The puppets are a fun addition to the parade. I wouldn't want to be on the inside, looking out; it must take strength and balance to man one of them.

The New Minowa Players always seem to come up with something clever for their float, and this year was no exception. Through the 25 years of their existence, I have helped decorate and ridden on several. Always a fun time. My favorite float was a giant typewriter we rigged for "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."

The comic entries add a lot of spice to the parade. This year's Swat Team rivaled The Vipers of a few years ago.

It was great to have the Decorah High School band participating, and I must confess I didn't recognize the Kilties without the kilts that have made them so unique. 

I never see a parade or marching band without thinking of Professor Russell Platz, the music instructor when I was in high school. He was a perfectionist and had us doing all manner of formations and maneuvers and even doing oblique marching and waltz steps. I can still hear him call, "Guide right" if even one band member was out of perfect line.

I was happy to see the past Nordic Fest presidents being honored this year. What a tremendous job it must be to oversee all the various events and venues, and every year it goes off without a hitch. At least none that are visible to those of us who only watch and enjoy.

Thanks to all of you, and this year's Nordic Fest Board. 

Varme Polse: The Only Nordic Fest Treat Available Since Year 1

Work is underway on the first Nordic Fest booths in 1967.

In the review of Nordic Fest archives to date, I noticed that only one food booth: the popular varme polse has been in operation continually since the first Nordic Fest, courtesy of the local chapters of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. 

In a March 11, 2015 interview, Ruth T. Woldum, a sorority member who served on the committee that organized varme polse at the first Nordic Fest in 1967, shared several interesting insights:

• The Nordic Fest committee issued a call for nonprofit food booths in planning the first event. Beta Sigma Phi chapters responded, researched recipes, focused on authentic Norwegian sausage preparation, and a hit was born.
• Varme polses sold for 50 cents in 1967.
• Resources in Calmar, Provitin and Dubuque have helped prepare the sausages each year especially for Nordic Fest. 
• Proceeds from varme polse sales have been divided among participating Beta Sigma Phi chapters over the years. Each chapter votes on how to distribute all booth proceeds to community and charitable needs. Projects strengthened by Nordic Fest sales include the Decorah High School After Prom and Helping Services of Northeast Iowa, among many others.  
• Cake and ice cream cakes have previously been offered by Beta Sigma Phi at Nordic Fest. Varme polse remains the hit with the crowds. 
• Like many of the official nonprofit food booths at Nordic Fest, there have been years of running out and years of leftovers. Ordering supplies given uncertainties of year-to-year weather and crowds is a continual challenge.

Ruth said, "It was trying sometimes, long hours, taking roasters home at night to wash, and more. But the results were encouraging. We learned a lot in those early years. The committee has done a good job of getting it all down to a science now."

Thank you Ruth and all the members of Beta Sigma Phi over the years for both your yummy treats and for putting those proceeds to work in the community! 

Thank you, Darrell Piece: A Nordic Fest Founder Tribute

Nordic Fest founders Darrell Pierce and Jerry Aulwes and the daughters of Nordic Fest founder Phyllis Leseth being interviewed for the #nordicfest50 project in May 2014

Late last week, Nordic Fest founder Darrell Pierce gained a front row heavenly seat for the 50th Nordic Fest when he unfortunately lost his long battle with multiple myeloma. Darrell lived a beautiful lifetime enacting the Jaycee Creed that "service to humanity is the best work of life." To read more about Darrell's incredible life, click here. 

Darrell, his fellow Jaycees and community volunteer extraordinaire Phyllis Leseth partnered with Dr. Marion and Lila Nelson and Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum starting in 1966 to organize the first Nordic Fest in 1967. They modeled the Nordic Fest after a Junction City, Oregon Scandinavian festival that focused on non-commercialism and nonprofit benefit. Their core focus remains true for Nordic Fest nearly 50 years later. 

In May 2014, as pictured above, Darrell joined his fellow interviewees at Vesterheim just a few minutes late as he processed all the terrible realities that cancer treatment brings but still shared his key recollections for the project research. He brought a big a smile and added much to that morning. 

A small part of that interview is shared here:

Question: Darrell, what does it mean to you to have the 50^th Nordic Fest approaching?

Answer: Well, in my particular situation, I think I better put it on my short bucket list.  I hope – I hope that I make it and – and if you can’t have a sense of humor with cancer, I guess you’re already done for so – because that’s a year from this coming Fest.   I – I hope dearly that I’m able to make that.  But it means also that we’re – we’re all now in our – in our seventies, which seems incredible.  Because when we started it, we were so young, failure wasn’t even in our vocabulary.  I mean, we just didn’t think there was any way it could fail.  And then we were told once we get past the third year, it probably was going to sustain itself and keep going and how we do things.  So, for me, it’s – it’s very meaningful.  It’s -- In addition to our kids, it’s also part of our legacy.

And a personal note from Dawn: Darrell, many hearts are breaking in this terrible process of telling you goodbye. Decorah and Nordic Fest are so much stronger because failure wasn't in your vocabulary. Thank you for helping so with this project's research despite all you faced. Thank you for supporting me so when Dad passed ten years ago. You certainly leave a beautiful legacy for your incredible family. Thank you for your service to humanity that resulted in a beautiful Nordic Fest core. 

I bet you've already connected with Phyllis, Marion and my dad. May you all have the best seats in the house as you watch over us during the 50th Nordic Fest. You are loved and treasured. Always! 

Early Promotion of Nordic Fest: One Example

Renowned Decorah accordion player Hans Aschim at the Norwegian-American Museum during an early Nordic Fest. Photo courtesy Ruth Ann Sacquitne.

Early promotion of Nordic Fest took place largely via trips to then-common travel shows or related regional events to raise awareness and encourage visits to Decorah. One such example of dozens if not hundreds of volunteer efforts took place during the summer of 1970. A few notes from that visit:

• Nordic Fest and the Museum jointly attended the International Folk Festival in Bettendorf, Iowa. 
• Mr. and Mrs. Maron Nelson, Mary McGee, Darrell Henning and Steve Johnson attended, representing the Museum.
• Nordic Fest board chairman Gary Svenson, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Tjelta manned a food both that sold Norwegian dishes. The varme polse offering was quite popular. 
• 14,000 people attended the International Folk Festival.
• Many visitors to the Decorah contingency had good questions about Nordic Fest, the Museum and Decorah.

While attending the International Folk Festival, Miss Decorah, Cheryl Adrienne Brown, was named Miss Iowa. Miss Brown became the first African American to participate in the Miss America pageant. The Decorah contingent shared their pride in Miss Brown by adding a handmade sign to their area proudly proclaiming Decorah as the "home" (albeit college home) 

Did you first learn about Nordic Fest via a travel show or other personal regional appearance like the International Folk Festival? If so, please share your experiences in the comments below. 

Happy 98th Birthday Phyllis Leseth!

Phyllis Leseth receives the high volunteer honor of the Nordic Fest flag from board president Barb Amundson

Tomorrow marks the 98th year since Decorah was forever strengthened in many ways by the birth of the late Phyllis Leseth. Her tireless publicity efforts and deep passion for Decorah leaves a stunning legacy for Nordic Fest. To learn more about Phyllis's beautiful life, click here. 

In 1981, radio station KWLC sat down with all Nordic Fest founders to capture important history on the occasion of the 15th year. Phyllis's interview is known to survive and is shared with you today in honor of her birthday. The 18 minute interview full of interesting information, linked below, is courtesy of Vesterheim and Phyllis's family, digitization courtesy of Josh Holland. 

Happy Birthday, Phyllis! 

Nordic Fest brings out the best in Decorah: Guest post

The following copyright editorial appeared in a post-Nordic Fest 2000 edition of the Decorah Newspapers and was authored by the late Margaret Gulsvig. 

Used with permission. 

To learn more about Margaret's life, click here

A cousin from Minnesota called me early Sunday morning Nordic Fest weekend.

"I've been calling you all weekend," she said, "and I never get an answer. I walked up and down Water Street looking for you, asking people I met if they knew you." 

Now she was on her way home and we wouldn't meet vis-a-vis...

Well, that's Nordic Fest for you. And I hadn't left town as a few opt for doing to avoid getting involved. Instead, I am pretty much in the thick of things, hosting at Vesterheim one day and dishing up rommegrot at Bethania another day.

I frankly didn't know I had this third cousin in Minnesota. But, if a strange lady named Myrtle stopped you on Water Street to ask if you knew me, saying I was her cousin, well, now you know what that was all about.

In short, there was so much for me to do I even missed the parade entry from Westby, Wis., where I lived 50-some years before returning to the home of my heart, Decorah.

Sadly, however, I never had time to visit the site of the woodcarvers, some of whom are also my friends from Westby. Meanwhile, I had this heavy heart for two Westby people who have contributed so much to Nordic Fest - both monetarily as well as serving on the board of Vesterheim. Serious illness prevented their coming, but a banner hanging on the outside wall of Vesterheim proclaimed their top monetary contribution. 

Actually, by Sunday I was a bit tired. But along with being tired there was a feeling of wonder at how great the weekend had been, even bringing my childhood playmate, Dorrit Dale, all the way from Roanoke, Virginia, to reunion as we have done for the last 25 years.

Also, it brought a rosemaling friend all the way from Boise, Idaho, winning no special awards but selling all five of her entries, and going home weighted down with the proceeds.

In retrospect then, who does one thank? Everyone! Naming one person or group obviously can't be done, either, do I'll just hit the high spots and let you find your niche.

The Nordic Fest Board stands tall in the lineup, adding fabulous musical groups to the sit-down entertainment. If you missed the Norwegian musicians, you have my sympathy. To my dismay, I missed the choral group but heard glowing critiques of their performance. 

The college, as usual contributed more than people realize by staging a week-long type of elderhostel, providing rooms for participants, as well as classes, of which I attended, envying all the students who have one Dr. Jim Rhodes as a teacher.

Baker Village accommodated attendees of the week-long session, many of whom stayed to enjoy the Fest, as well as housing a yearly Scandinavian session and later the musical groups who added so much.

Last but not least, whoever was in charge of the weather may now stand up and take a bow. It was beautiful.

As a walker, I virtually get lost here in Decorah trying to pick out the most beautiful tree, the most entrancing habitat, the best-cared-for flower beds, and the churches with their majestic spires, all provided every day in Decorah.

But do not forget people, especially those who plan the Nordic Fest weekend, all the people in Decorah who contribute to make the Fest such a double-whammy affair. This includes all who served in any way.

In short, it's all there, even the afterglow fireworks boom-booming in the background as one drifts off to dreamland. Has anything been omitted? Please forgive any special lack of mention.

"Are you glad to be here?" Wisconsin friends ask, leaving me absolutely tongue-tied. Where do I start to explain how much I love it here? In my mind, I still pose as Julie Andrews, arms flung wide and signing, "The world is alive..." always, here in Decorah, but especially with the sounds of Nordic Fest. 

Monday afternoon addendum: As I walked the track at Carlson stadium early this morning, there was this gentleman walking backwards. It was a first I'd ever seen, but I think he'll be okay. He was obviously trying to relive a happy weekend choosing this manner of walking to bring back pleasant memories. Signed, Attending Physician Andrew.

Ta det med ro! 

(Take it easy!) 

Nordic Fest is a Feast for the Eyes

Photos copyright Decorah Newspapers, used with permission. 

Taken during 2002 Nordic Fest. 

Nordic Fest remains remarkably consistent in its presentation and authentic cultural celebration focus throughout its 50 year history. The three photos above are good examples of such focus:

1. Luren Singers riding in the Saturday morning grand parade

2. Nordic Dancers performing in the Saturday morning grand parade 

3. A weaving demonstration at Vesterheim, where tremendous National Folk Art Exhibitions take place each year

All three photos are beautiful illustrations of three quite popular, authentic, important and beautiful parts of Nordic Fest. All three of these parts of Nordic Fest have been cornerstones of its rich 50 year history. 

What are your favorite parts of Nordic Fest? Share your experiences in the comments section below.