Bunad exchange: another example of Nordic Fest strength

Norma Wagnsness and one of her daughters,  Le Wangsness-Bahr showcase their bunads in the 2014 Nordic Fest parade. Photo courtesy of Marilee Reinertson Torres, http://i-mrt.blogspot.com/

The following copyright article appeared in a June 1995 edition of Decorah Newspapers and is illustrative of the lengths the people of Decorah have gone over 50 years to ensure Nordic Fest authenticity. Many local sewing and embroidery experts have beautified Nordic Fest with their bunad creations.
Used with permission.

Nordic Fest sponsors bunad exchange

What in the world is a bunad?

A bunad -- pronounced BOO-nod -- is a Norwegian folk costume. 

Each year at Nordic Fest, you can catch a glimpse of many different styles of the bunad. The various styles of the bunad represent different geographical regions in Norway. A festival bunad is worn on special occasions like a wedding or Christmas. 

On Saturday, June 17, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Nordic Fest Board is sponsoring a bunad exchange and sale at the Interstate Power meeting room. If you have a Norwegian costume to tell - adult or child size - please put your price on it and drop it off at the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce office at 111 Winnebago Street by 3 p.m. Friday, June 16.

If you are looking for a bunad, new or used, plan to attend this event. Susan Mueller of Husflids Heimen will be in attendance with a supply of bunad kits available. Any cotton kits purchased June 17 will be discounted 10 percent. Mueller will be selling these kits and giving instructions on how to construction the bunad you might choose.

Nordic Fest Board members want to make this Nordic Fest the most colorful ever, and suggest dressing in a bunad this year. For more information, call Chris Evenson or Kate Kjome.