A Color Guard from Decorah area Veterans' organizations leads off the 2014 Nordic Fest parade. Photo courtesy of Marilee Reinertson Torres, http://i-mrt.blogspot.com/
The Nordic Fest Grand Parade has traditionally been the event with the highest attendance each year, with people lining up chairs the night prior and filling both sides of the street as more than 100 entries make their way from one end of Water Street to another. #Nordicfest50 research done to date has revealed some interesting aspects of the history of parades during Nordic Fest:
- A Children's Parade has been a part of each Nordic Fest to date, in accordance with the Norwegian tradition of hosting such activities during holidays that dates back to 1820, most commonly associated with the Syttende Mai Norwegian Constitution Day. Although originally held on the Friday of Nordic Fest, the Children's Parade is currently incorporated into the Grand Parade.
- A Children's Parade from Rock Island Park to the Courthouse Square just before Opening Ceremonies officially started the first Nordic Fest on Thursday, July 27, 1967.
- Early parades had themes associated with them prior to when each Nordic Fest year had its own overall theme. For example, the 1968 parade, themed "This Is Norway" featured mobile displays depicting cities or areas in each of Norway's five districts.
- A couple of early parades actually started at near Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum and headed towards the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds, the opposite of today's standard direction. As parade participation grew, staging entries at the open and available Fairgrounds became the best way to accommodate everyone.
What are your favorite Nordic Fest parade memories?
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