Fest booths raise big bucks: guest post

Today's guest post from Decorah Newspapers staff member Roz Weis, a copyright article from 1990, is a good reminder of the tremendous good Nordic Fest has done over the years for area nonprofit organizations, a key non-commercial focus all 50 years that may not be universally understood. Used with permission. 

Whether you savored a piece of krumkake or delighted in a spicy varme polser during last weekend's Nordic Fest, you directly helped raise funds for worthwhile causes in the area. 

Local church groups sponsored Scandinavian smorgasbords and organizers reported standing-room-only crowds. Most churches sold out as avid Fest-goers sampled a delicious variety of local traditional Norwegian foods.

Beta Sigma Phi Sorority chapters in Decorah sponsored the varme polser booth on Water Stret all three days of the Fest. The booth served up the spicy potato sausages wrapped in lefse, as well as homemade potato donuts, coffee and soda pop. They volunteers raised approximately $3,500. After expenses, the funds will be used for several worthy causes. Members voted to use the majority of proceeds to purchase playground equipment for the handicapped in the Decorah School System. A portion of the money is annually earmarked for scholarships.

Sunflower Child Care Center of Decorah is $4,000 richer after volunteers manned the bratwurst booth during the Nordic Fest. According to Sunflower Director Kathy Schwartzhoff the funds will be used for playground equipment for the new center. The booth served bratwurst and sauerkraut, hot dogs, Norwegian sweet soup and soda pop. The annual bratwurst stand is the major fundraiser for the year for Sunflower workers. 

Sons of Norway Lodge in Decorah reports a banner year at their booth. The lodge members served lefse, meatballs, ligonberries (straight from Norway) rice cream (a rice dish with almost flavoring and fresh strawberry garnish), and beverages. Sons of Norway District President Don Olsen of Decorah said the booth was popular this year, having sold out of meatballs and lefse by Saturday afternoon. Funds raised in the booth are used to sponsor lodge activities, scholarship programs, and other causes.

Nordic Dancers sponsored another downtown food booth during the Fest, serving sandbakkels, rosettes, krumkake and kringle. Proceeds from the booth total approximately $1,500 after expenses and are added to the group's main trip fund. (for a large trip taken near the end of ten years' performing at Nordic Fest and many other events). 

Decorah Band Boosters report a very good weekend, with proceed totals not available at press time. Coordinator Donna Sailor said the funds will go towards the purchase of new band uniforms at the high school as the program will be enlarged when the high school expands to a four-year program. The Band Boosters served kransekake (Norwegian wedding cake), ice cream sandwiches. lemonade and ice tea.

Decorah Jaycees continued a long tradition selling Danish Aebelskivers (a puff pancake served with a variety of sweet toppings),  Organizers report a big crowd this year, with a continuous stream of customers during the three-day Fest. The group had sold out by early Sunday afternoon. The $800 in proceeds will used towards the many local organizations and causes supported by the group during the year.

The young members of the Glenwood Future Homemakers 4-H Club sold out of sandbakkels during the Fest, with a total amount of proceeds not yet available. Organizers said the funds will be used for the group's summer club trip, and for the community projects sponsored during the year. 

Waffles with ice cream and fruit toppings drew Fest-goers to the Luther College Basketball team's booth in downtown Decorah. Rolf Kopperud, organized, said nearly $1,000 was raised, with funds earmarked for the team's trip to Iceland or Norway next year. They take an international trip every four years.

The Northeast Iowa Refugee Coordination Services Agency sponsored a krumkake demonstration and sale during the Fest for the first time this year. The group raised over $500 after expenses, and matching funds are being donated by the Winnake Branch of Lutheran Brotherhood. The money will be used to help refugees in Northeast Iowa for education purposes, according to Midge Kjome, coordinator of the project.

Several other organizations, including the Decorah Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps, Decorah Flying Club, Winneshiek Beef Producers, Winneshiek Pork Producers, American Lutheran Church Men and Good Shepherd Women sponsored booths with Scandinavian baked goods, sandwiches and beverages.

As the year of the 50th Nordic Fest is about to start, a toast to 50 years of:

• Hard working bakers and cooks
• Hard working booth volunteers
• Hungry patrons who make a difference for great Decorah area organizations with their Nordic Fest purchases! 

Fest visitors leave impressions: guest post part II

The following copyright article by the late Pat Maloney appeared in the Decorah Newspapers following the 1989 Nordic Fest. Used with permission. The first part of this article appeared last week. 

Clarence and Blanche Haas of Dubuque attended their second Nordic Fest, arriving Sunday but still in time to enjoy the "real nice music and dancing, cute little train, polka band and children's activities." Clarence reported working in Decorah with the Civilian Conservation Corps back in 1940, during which the city's system of dikes was built.

Al and Elaine Webbeking of Waterloo attended the 1989 Nordic Fest only on Sunday but described themselves as regular customers.

"We've come about every year for at least the past 15 years," they said. "The Fest is very well organized. We're members of the museum so enjoy that of course. We also enjoy the crafts and demonstrations, and buy all the goodies." 

John and Esther McDermid arrived Saturday morning from their home at Lake Kabekona in northern Minnesota. This was their third visit to a Nordic Fest, but the fourth year John has taken carving classes at Vesterheim from Phillip Odden. They expressed a liking for the Norwegian crafts, and were impressed by the "completeness of the Fest program. It's a tremendous undertaking." 

After realizing the extent of Nordic Fest activities, Dean and Darlene Michels of New Haven promised "next year we'll come earlier" after witnessing only Sunday's program in their first Fest visit. They enjoyed "different window displays, dancers and quilt show." 

Traveling together were Russ and Vicki Warner of Mount Vernon and Elwood and Dorothy Breidenbach of Clinton for a limited Fest stay Sunday. The Warners attended their first last year and were impressed enough to return. They listed their favorites as "the Norwegian history that makes Decorah unique, crafts, the museum and a lot of nice wood crafts."

David and Jodi Buzzell of Davenport and their two children, Nicole and Steven, were appreciative of Decorah's hospitality after arriving Saturday for their first Fest visit. "The people have been really friendly," they said. "There was neat music wherever we went that got you in the spirit. The costumed dancing was really nice and we also like the museum and tasting the demonstration food." 

Terri Hamon of Waterloo laughed about enjoying the shopping in Decorah during her first Nordic Fest visit, but she and her husband Paul, and two children also got a kick out of the unusual "window shopping" they were offered here. "We like the Norwegian culture," they said, "and a lot of the elderly generation were doing baking in stores. A lot of artifacts were displayed in store windows, which obviously took a great deal of effort."

Many "neighbors" also paid Decorah Nordic Fest visits. Those contacted on Water Street Sunday gave home addresses as Cresco, Waukon and Calmar. 

Fest visitors leave impressions: guest post part I

The following copyright article by the late Pat Maloney appeared in the Decorah Newspapers following the 1989 Nordic Fest. Used with permission. 

The "lasting power" of Decorah's Nordic Fest was demonstrated Sunday by some interviews with "late" fest visitors.

Of 10 visiting couples who gave Decorah Newspapers impressions of their brief stay here, seven drove to Decorah Sunday, missing the first two days of the crowded activity schedule. Many locals consider Sunday the "winding down day" of the Fest, but it was still busy at mid-afternoon. 

But the tardy arrivals weren't all because of choice. Melvin and Louise Doty of Grinnell, attending their second Nordic Fest, reporting trying "for the last four or five years to get a motel reservation, and we finally came Saturday after getting in at the Cliff House on a cancellation. We've already made our reservation for next year's Fest." 

The Dotys, like most visitors, liked everything about the 1989 Fest that concluded late Sunday afternoon. Louise Doty is the Norwegian in the family, taking her husband to Norway in 1982 and visiting 11 first cousins. The listed their Fest favorites as "the parade, street music, the Nordic trio, sampling food demonstrations, the Wiscandia group, the gospel sing at the theater, story telling, and the First Lutheran Church dinner." 

Three sisters from Fargo, N.D. attended the Fest while visiting another sister living in Decorah, Irene Haugen. Attending their first Fest were Grace Gangnes, Frances Dahlen and Ardyce Grant, all of Fargo and of Norwegian descent. They liked "the excellent parade, especially the floats, the various street bands, the crafts and Farm Bureau women's chorus concert at the Methodist Church, and wish we were young enough to ride the train." They reported Fargo has similar food demonstrations at its annual Pioneer Village.

Marshall and Lenora Matejcek (she's the Norwegian) of Cedar Rapids enjoyed the "old Norwegian homes, craft booths, and storytellers, but we were disappointed that we missed some of the activities." Lenora's grandparents came from Norway.

Stop by next week for additional 1989 Nordic Fest visitor impressions! 

Anne Rockefeller Attended the 1968 Nordic Fest

Renowned local accordion player Hans Aschim and Anne Rockefeller at the 1968 Nordic Fest. Photo courtesy of Ruth Ann Sacquitne

In 1968, Nelson Rockefeller was seeking the Republican nomination for President of the United States. His Sogne, Norway-born daughter-in-law Anne took a campaign respite by attending the 1968 Nordic Fest, her first visit to Decorah. As the Iowa Caucus approaches in 2016, it's hard to imagine a campaign break for anyone involved! 

Anne was especially attracted to Nordic Fest via the Folk Music Festival hosted by the Norwegian-American Museum, now known as Vesterheim. She participated in the festival via singing and playing the zither, an lifelong instrument of interest for her. 

Norwegian American Museum board members Peter Strong and Berent Friele were close associates of Anne's who helped make her Nordic Fest visit happen. She also served on the Broadway benefit committee for the Museum in 1966. 

For her visit, she was accompanied by Mrs. Lorina Cooper, president of the American-Scandinavian Foundation. 

Also of note from the 1968 Nordic Fest: A committee chaired by Mrs. Roy Carlson, Mrs. Karl Norgaard and Mrs. J.W, Ylvisaker planned a Saturday evening dinner at First Lutheran Church. A total of 840 guests were served. 

Which special Nordic Fest guests come to mind when you reflect on your Nordic Fest experiences? 

Welcome to the Fest, and don't be a stranger: guest post

The following Decorah Newspapers copyright staff editorial appeared in conjunction with the 1989 Nordic Fest. Used with permission. 

To those first-time "Norwegians," the entire community of Decorah would like to welcome you to the 23rd annual Nordic Fest celebration and hope you enjoy your stay. To those veteran Fest-goers, it's great to have you back.

"Dreams of Norway," this year's Fest theme, officially will get underway at 10:30 a.m. Friday in front of the Winneshiek County Courthouse, and the opening ceremony is one event that shouldn't be missed. All the color and pageantry of the Fest comes to life, and this year's ceremony will include a special appearance by renowned accordionist Myron Floren, the grand marshal of this year's parade.

From there on out, Festers can enjoy three days of activities and good food, with the closing ceremonies taking place at 3 p.m. Sunday, also at the courthouse square.

While the Fest has changed and evolved over the course of two decades, it's core remains solid. What the Nordic Fest offers is good, clean fun for the entire family. This is the way Fest organizers want it to remain, and is one aspect of the celebration that keeps bringing people back to Decorah during the last weekend in July.

They like the fact they do not have to contend with, or expose their children to, people who have had one too many drinks and making a food of themselves.

If any questions should arise during your stay, please contact the main information center located under the large tent near City Hall, and in case of an emergency stop at any telephone and dial 911. 

There are an endless number of things to do at the Fest, we also encourage visitors to take some time out to view the beauty of Decorah and the surrounding area. When you mention Iowa to people who live in different states or countries, their vision is one of endless miles of flat crop land. Many are shocked when they first drive into the Oneota Valley and see what a beautiful community we have here.

We can't count the number of times we've heard visitors exclaim, "I had no idea Iowa could be this beautiful."

Well, it can be and it is. And, perhaps more importantly, the people of Iowa are even more beautiful. They are friendly, sincere and will go out of their way to make strangers feel welcome.

During the three-day Nordic Fest, there are no strangers in Decorah. Enjoy yourself, be careful and thanks for coming. Hope to see you again next year. 

Decorah Newspapers Team, Past and Present: Mange Tusen Takk Only Starts the Proper Appreciation

Pictured in 2010 or 2011 are then-Decorah Newspaper staff members: Front from left are:
Julie Berg Raymond, Dawn Austin, Amy Usgaard, Tyler Strand, Jennifer Bissell, and Sandra Arnold ; and back row, from left: Rick Fromm, Sarah Strandberg, Rhonda Bergan, Stephanie Langreck, Roz Weis, Julie Ude, Tanya O’Connor, and Lissa Blake. Newsroom, sports department, advertising, production, and the administrative office are all represented in the picture. Photo courtesy Decorah Newspapers.

Throughout the 50-year history of Nordic Fest, the team at the Decorah Newspapers has tirelessly reported, snapped photos, and shared their editorial passion for Nordic Fest in fine journalism form. An important part of that crew is pictured above.

Many hours have been spent reviewing the Nordic Fest archives to piece together history for this blog and the pending book to be published in 2016. Partially because its print format is a natural fit for archives and more because of their commitment to excellence, the team pictured above and many more over the years provide both the backbone and the foundation for this #nordicfest50 project.

With these Decorah Newspaper articles, I don't have any of the current worries about information validity that require skepticism today. Although "perfection" is a pursuit that both eludes and motivates most mere human beings, the efforts put forth by Decorah Newspapers team over the decades are both admirable and worthy of a deep mange tusen takk this Thanksgiving week!

To all the current and previous members of the Decorah Newspapers team who conduct the myriad of steps involved to make deadline and ensure Nordic Fest is part of the Decorah community story, thank you.

To all current and previous members of the overall Decorah media over 50 years - radio, print and now online, thank you for five decades of sharing the news of Nordic Fest!

Bunads: An Important Part of Each Nordic Fest

Norma Wangsness and her daughter, Le Ann Wangsness-Bahr during the 2014 Nordic Fest parade. Photo courtesy of Marilee Reinertson Torres, http://i-mrt.blogspot.com/ 

Back on September 21, we last explored the topic of the Bunad Show, an important part of the authenticity of Nordic Fest since 1973.

Since the first Nordic Fest in 1967, local residents have been encouraged to sport authentic Norwegian costumes during Nordic Fest and many do, even during years of oppressive heat. 

The Wangsness family of Decorah often come to mind when people think of the colorful bunads of Nordic Fest. Using just one example from the photo above:

Le Ann Wangsness-Bahr of Maple Grove, Minn., originally from Decorah wears her "Princess" bunad from East Telemark. The black wool gaberdine fabric is embroidered in brilliant wool crewel and french knots. The loom-woven "Broad Belt" and head piece complete this bunad.

The bunad was created by Le Ann's mother Norma, who is among many in Decorah who have been answering the call to authenticity and warm welcome to guests to enjoy Nordic Fest and return for more than 50 years, always wearing a beautiful smile like Norma is pictured with above. 

How do those sporting these wool bunads much more appropriate for this time of year work during the soaring heat and humidity of Nordic Fest?

Norma shares a secret: she's sewn pockets into her bunad that each hold an ice packet to help cool her down! 

Thank you, Norma, Le, Linda and the entire Wangsness family for all you bring to the Bunad Show, Nordic Fest and all that you do for Decorah!