The board members of the 20th Nordic Fest in 1986, as pictured during the parade.
Photo courtesy of Cam Forde.
For nearly 50 years, an all-volunteer board of directors has been meeting, planning and working hard year round to ensure a great Nordic Fest for all each July. In 1997. a series of interviews done with Nordic Fest board presidents revealed a key element that laid the foundation for their success at making things happen: a supportive family network. Interview excerpts on this theme include:
"My family and friends were always very supportive of anything I did. We essentially felt that since we had a business in the community and were supported by the community that we should give something back. My husband Sam was always so busy with the restaurant that it kind of fell on my shoulders to be the community volunteer in the family. The kids loved Nordic Fest and thought it was great fun to ride in the parade with mom." Sue Miller, 15th Nordic Fest board president (1981)
"Serving on the board gives one an insight into the Nordic Fest that cannot be fully appreciated by anyone else - except perhaps your immediate family. They were very supportive during my tenure - and especially the last year as president. That had to become the number one priority for us all," Jane Bullard, 25th Nordic Fest board president (1991)
"My family was incredible. They have given so much. I often ask them to sacrifice. Maybe they're used to it but they helped me a lot during the Fest. The people I worked with at school were also very understanding. I hope my son and daughter will be a part of something like this in the communities they become a part of some day." Clark Goltz, 30th Nordic Fest board president (1996)
To all the Nordic Fest board members past and present and their supportive families, thank you for 50 years of making things happen, year-round.
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