Musical Volunteers at the First Nordic Fest

Paul Hexom performs at an early Nordic Fest

For nearly 50 years, the various pieces of the Nordic Fest experience have happened due to the continual commitment of Decorah area volunteers who conquer and divide work, with an "all hands on deck" spirit. 

The current Nordic Fest standard of the dozens of entertainers appearing under designated Water Street canopies each year - canopies  that protect both performers and attendees from the sun hasn't always been the case. For many years, Nordic Fest entertainers both roamed Water Street and paused on street corners, gathering an impromptu audience. 

Looking at the example of how roaming entertainment volunteers came together for the first Nordic Fest in 1967 is a nice illustration of both the "all hands on deck" spirit and the quality entertainment focus that has always been a part of Nordic Fest. 

The following information is shared in accordance with the 1960's standard of identifying married women by their husband's first names: 

Mrs. Robert Larson, assisted by Mrs. Adolph Streng, Jr. organized the strolling musicians who volunteered to informally play for Nordic Fest guests. The scheduled musicians before the Fest were (in alphabetical order):

• Hans Aschim, accordion and mouth organ
• Big Canoe Lutheran Church Junior Choir, directed by Mrs. Wilbur Stoen
• Mrs. Ransome Bolson, according
• Decorah Women Singers, directed by Mrs. Eleanor Haines 
• Mrs. Adrian Docken, violin
• Patty Kruger, accordion 
• Luther College Folk Singing Group, Ralph Kundson and Gary Saxviks 
• Martinson Family Singers
• Cheryl Massman, accordion 
• Recorder group of Mrs. Barlett Butler, Mrs. Adolph Streng, Jr. and Mrs. W. John Weilgart 
• Arvi Rebasso, violin
• Mrs. Adolph Steng, Jr., flute
• Kenneth Strinmoen 
• Lou Ann Sutton, accordion 
• Lois Swiggum, violin
• Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ulring, vocalists 
• Women's Trip of Ms. Arthur Branae, Mrs. Kermit Hendrickson and Mrs. Willard Linnevold
• Dennis Young, accordion