Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray, First Lady Billie Ray,
Luther College First Lady Helen Farwell, Nordic Fest Board President Sue Miller, and Luther College President Dr. Elwin D. Farwell following the 1981 Nordic Fest grand parade
Governor Robert D. Ray was first elected to his role for Iowa in 1968, just one year after the first Nordic Fest. Volunteers from the Fest's early years credit Governor Ray's regular participation in Nordic Fest with lending critical early statewide credibility to the growing event. He is pictured above on one of many visits to Decorah, this one being the same year that Dr. Elwin D.and Helen Farwell were honored as Nordic Fest grand marshals upon their retirement from Luther College.
Upon learning of the #nordicfest50 plans, Governor Ray's office was kind enough to issue the following statement:
How exciting to hear that Decorah will be celebrating the 50th
anniversary of the Nordic Fest in 2016! Billie and I have fond memories
of riding in the Nordic Fest parade when I was governor. And we
especially recall the warmth and hospitality of this special community.
I am so pleased that Decorah continues to honor its Norwegian
heritage in such a wonderful manner. I wish you much success and many
more years of celebration!
Best wishes,
Robert D. Ray
Governor of Iowa, 1969-1983
Governor, everyone connected to Decorah and Nordic Fest joins in wishing you and Mrs. Ray the best, too!
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