Nordic Fest Button: A 20 Year Tradition

One of the challenges faced by Nordic Fest over its long history has been how to diversify its income sources for greater financial stability. Another challenge has been how to have Nordic Fest attendees make small contributions to event costs while operating throughout Decorah without a formal gated venue. 

Both of those challenges were first successfully addressed in 1995 with the introduction of the Nordic Fest button for the Fest, themed "The Trolls Are Alive in '95." During that first year, purchase of a Nordic Fest button gained the wearer admission to the following special activities:

• Antique show and sale
• Budweiser Clydesdale housing location 
• Decorah City Bus Tours  
• Drum and Bugle Corp Exhibition 
• Heirloom quilt show
• Threshing demonstration at Farm Park 

In the past 20 years, the exact details of the Nordic Fest button have evolved. During that time, nearly all Nordic Fest events have been free or only required a Nordic Fest button for admission. During those same 20 years, the button income has become a meaningful portion of annual Nordic Fest income, and an easy way for all attendees to make a small contribution. The button income helps ensure the longevity and strength of Nordic Fest. 

  

If you've bought a Nordic Fest button in the past, thank you for helping make the event stronger. When you join the 2015 Nordic Fest in a just a few weeks, please consider a button purchase to keep the strength of Nordic Fest moving forward.