About Town: One day at the Nordic Fest, guest post from Roz Weis

Roz Weis and her husband Greg, taken Christmas 2015. Roz wrote the following copyright article in a July 1986 issue of the Decorah Newspapers, used with permission. Roz's wonderful perspective is especially dedicated to anyone who has had to struggle through missing a Nordic Fest, or who may be struggling with the same feeling now. 

There's nothing else like it.

The feel of a Nordic Fest.

And I'm going to miss out on it this year. Well, I won't exactly miss the whole celebration. I'll be able to cram a full weekend of fun into a few hours on Friday afternoon.

This will be the first fest I've missed in eight years, and I've found something new to add to my own special list of memorable events each year. And by looking at the ever-expanding list of things to do this year, it looks like it will be no exception.

I''ll admit that carrying a camera around with you like a six-gun strapped to your side is bound to make you more aware of the sights and sounds of the three-day event.

There are those folk of all ages in their traditional Scandinavian dress. There's the performers and the visiting artists that add more and more to the festival each year. Then there are hundreds of volunteers making the varme polse, smørbrød sandwiches, and æbelskivers. Of course we can't forget the church workers, and the fest-goers themselves who make the celebration even more special.

I can't imagine what it will be like to come back to Decorah on Sunday and find I've missed some of the charming mix of recipes, crafts and entertainment that make the celebration so unique. 

Gosh, how does one combine three days of festing into a few short hours?

Of course I'll be taking pictures at opening ceremonies on Friday morning (always a crowd pleaser in m book) and I'll run back to the office and grab Dorothy for our annual food booth rounds.

Then I have to stop by my old stomping grounds and at the varme polser booth and sneak a peak at the National Rosemaling Exhibition at the Army Reserve Center. 

I'll want to catch a glimpse at the open air section at Vesterheim and run down to Thomas Roberts High School for the antique show and demonstrations. Oh, I want to get in on the quilt show at Good Shepherd Church and maybe take a quick troll walk.

Then I have to run down Water Street for my annual fest chat with Grant Woldum in his little booth at the intersection of Water and River streets. Grant's the Decorah artist who designs the annual Fest medals.

Wait a second, do I have time to run to the Methodist Church for the craft show? What about the folk music extravaganza at the Viking Theater? Will I make it to all the bake sales and church dinners?

How can I miss the parade, the rock throw, my annual trip to the information booth for a visit with volunteer Barb Hunt? She's the red head sporting a new Scandinavian apron this year. 

Why, I even gave up my 10-year class reunion for last year's Nordic Fest. But I guess my friend Liz's wedding takes priority this year. Colorado, here I come!

See you next week...About Town! 

The limited edition Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book is now available for pre-sale at 23% off its rate during Nordic Fest. Online pre-sales are available through Monday, July 4, 2016.  It includes 22 chapters, great photos, a spot to record your favorite Nordic Fest memories and a DVD with movie footage from the first event in 1967. Reserve your piece of Nordic Fest history today: http://www.nordicfest.com/site/nordic-fest-50-book.html