Editor's Note: While book sales are currently paused to allow for the Nordic Fest fiscal year end, watch this space for more information about where to get your book soon!
The following letter about the project appeared in the July 22, 2016 Decorah Newspapers and is used with permission. Thank you, Cam!
The following letter about the project appeared in the July 22, 2016 Decorah Newspapers and is used with permission. Thank you, Cam!
Dear Editor:
Decorah is about to make headlines again. Nordic Fest is celebrating its 50th year. As a special tribute to commemorate Decorah’s 50-year celebration of all things Norwegian and to preserve its history, Dawn Svenson-Holland has written a book called “Nordic Fest: 50 Years Strong.”
Dawn’s father, Gary, was a member of the original board that started planning events a year before the first Fest in July of 1967. His records, files, and pictures were the backbone of the book. Her additional research resulted in many interviews where people shared information, anecdotes, and memories from past Fests. The book is 304 pages long and is filled with details and pictures from each year of the Fest along with chapters dedicated to specific topics such as the planning the first Nordic Fest, Vesterheim, and the Nordic Dancers. There is even a DVD with footage of the first Nordic Fest that is included in the purchase of the book.
All profits will go to Vesterheim so they will be able to archive, catalog, and permanently store all Nordic Fest records.
I urge everyone to buy a copy of this new book, which documents the efforts of the community in putting on an ethnic celebration that has brought thousands of people to our town. Residents have been supportive of the Nordic Fest in so many ways. Working at booths, decorating windows, being in the parade, putting on church suppers, preparing Norwegian delicacies, watching the Nordic Dancers, listening to the Luren Singers, participating in races, dancing in the streets, seeing the fireworks, and enjoying the many musicians and entertainers are some of the many ways we’ve showcased our community with visitors, friends and family.
The focus of the Nordic Fest has always been Decorah’s Scandinavian roots so exhibits at Vesterheim, indoors and out, have been popular. Handicrafts from all over the U.S. are entered in competitions in folk art. Each year there are countless volunteers who make the Fest work. The book gives an overview of the complexity of the Fest with all its parts and gives credit and recognition to all the groups who make the Fest the success it has been for 50 years.
This book is a valuable history in one volume and well worth the price. I urge you to buy this keepsake book. Anyone who has been involved in the Fest or enjoyed the Fest as a visitor will be impressed and fascinated by all the details. Thank you, Dawn, for taking on the monumental task of documenting the Nordic Fest.
Cam Forde
Decorah
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