Thanks to Scandinavia Institute in American Studies

As the soon to be released Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book explains in detail, many organizations and aspects of life in Decorah prior to 1967 strengthened the event's chances for success. One such example of this is the Thanks to Scandinavia Institute (TTS) in American Studies hosted for many years at Luther College.

This cultural immersion program created lasting connections between Scandinavian educators and program directors at Luther and often included travel in the Midwest and time at Nordic Fest. Director Uwe Rudolf shared a few moments from the TTS

:

Larry Reis, county naturalist explains various plants on the Hayden Prairie to some of the Scandinavian Institute participants

Scandinavian Institute participants preparing to ride bikes provided courtesy of Dean Carolan, who voluntarily refurbished used bicycles abandoned by students

Scandinavian Institue participants are invited for dinner in local homes.  Pictured: Karen Lovland (Norway) Agneta Blomberg (Sweden) with hosts emeriti professors Uwe Rudolf and Ruth Caldwell and Professor Laurie Iudin-Nelson

Scandinavian participants frequently return just to attend for Nordic Fest and revisit Decorah.  Pictured:Kjellaug Bartz-Johanessen with Luther College student worker in dining services, William Liu.

Scandinavian Institute Participants also visit historic sites in Iowa.  Pictured: A group visit to the childhood home of President Hoover.

The limited edition Nordic Fest 50th anniversary book is now available for pre-sale at 23% off its rate during Nordic Fest. Online pre-sales are available through Monday, July 4, 2016.  It includes 22 chapters, great photos, a spot to record your favorite Nordic Fest memories and a DVD with movie footage from the first event in 1967. Reserve your piece of Nordic Fest history today: http://www.nordicfest.com/site/nordic-fest-50-book.html