The following copyright article appeared the Tuesday edition of the Decorah Newspapers immediately following the 2004 Nordic Fest. Pictured above are Frances Christian and Peggy Hart. Used with permission.
Last Saturday was quite a day for Frances Christian of Decorah. Not only did she have a front-row seat for the colorful Nordic Fest parade, she was celebrating her 86th birthday and also the one year anniversary of her decision to move to Decorah.
Wearing the beautiful bunad made by her mother, Magda Barbara Tiegen in 1981 at the aged of 81, Christian was all smiles as she explained how happy she is to be a member of the community.
"With my Norwegian heritage (her home was 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle) and the fact that my mother and I have both donated piece to Vesterheim Museum, it seemed like a natural move for me to come to Decorah," said the personable and enthusiastic Christian.
"I'm 86 years old and it's been a great life and it's getting better. I still enjoy looking at a handsome man, and I'm still painting," she said.
Renowned for her artwork, Christian has a studio at Vennehjem, where she now resides.
Peggy Hart (at right in photo) of Hart's Tea and Tarts in downtown Decorah, calls Christian her best customer and presented her with a bouquet of flowers before the parade.
What forever memories do you have at Nordic Fest? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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