Nordic Fest: Book Creation Team Kudos

The original Nordic Fest organizers at a planning meeting in 1967. Photo courtesy and copyright Vesterheim Holm Collection. Used with permission. 

Since Nordic Fest planning began in 1966 for the first year in 1967, its greatest successes have been rooted in strong team work. The content creation team for this book continued that beautiful tradition since work first began on this project in 2013. 

The following people made the book many will soon hold in their hands possible through hundreds upon hundreds of hours of meticulous research, photo scanning, and more details than could possibly be counted in one blog post. They are listed in alphabetical order:

• Erik Anundsen, co-chair and publisher. Erik's work ethic and passion for all things history are matched only by his deep expertise and sense of humor. You are blessing to work with and to call friend!
• Paul Hexom, passionate Decorah advocate, lover of history and great friend. Thanks for your great caption work! 
• Josh Holland, partner and love of my life. From digitizing cassette tapes to calming me down and everything in between, your encouragement and help sustain me. 
• Cam Leseth Forde and Adrienne Leseth Coffeen for preparing a perfect founder's dedication and introduction, and for being incredible supportive friends throughout this process! 
• Deb Paulson of Zelda Productions, layout artist and designer extraordinaire. Your skill set is stunning and your input so critical towards making this book something people will want to treasure forever. You rock, Deb! 
• Harley Refsal, translator. While I am sorry I didn't practice more what you so expertly taught in your classes, you are a living celebration of Norwegian culture and I am honored by your master touch on this project! 
• Tyler Rinken, video production expert. The first Nordic Fest movie preparation in your expert hands could not be a better fit. Thanks for bringing your passion to the team! 
• Don & Julie Wurtzel, editors. Dad taught me early on how you both are a beautiful combination of friends and role models. You still are and always will be. Your community-minded touch and beautiful input throughout this process deeply strengthened the finished project. You are awesome! 

It is one of the great honors of my lifetime to work with this amazing team!