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!

Nordic Fest 1979: A Brief Snapshot

The following copyright piece serves as the opening to the 1979 Nordic Fest Souvenir edition of the Decorah Newspapers mailed separately to all subscribers, publication date Thursday, July 26, 1979, the day before the stat of that year's Nordic Fest. Used with permission. 

Nordic Fest is...a celebration of roots...a look into yesterday...a festival of arts and crafts...a tasty experience...an enjoyable, inexpensive weekend...a time for museum-going...a community effort for Decorah.

The 16th annual community affair takes the old roots from the Scandinavian countries and celebrates them with the new. For the three-day event, everyone's just a bit Scandinavian. 

In celebration of tradition, this celebration has become a tradition. Certain events change each year but the continuing favorites are back to entertain crowds which totaled 60,000 last year. 

This souvenir edition containing information of this year's Fest and photos from last year's celebration also includes the official program in the back.

Vaer so god!

Other interesting notes about the 1979 Nordic Fest:

• This is the year the Junior Nordic Dancers debuted their black with red and green trim costumes still in use in 2015
• 1979 was the second year for the Nordic Fest Elvelopet (River Run) 
• The Farm Bureau Women's Chorus presented a Christmas in July concert 
• The Good Shepherd Puppeteers and their handmade puppets entertained children for the sixth consecutive year, this time with "Three Billy Goats Gruff"

Fest founded to promote Decorah, area: guest post

The first Nordic Fest program in 1967

The following copyright editorial appeared in the Thursday, May 23, 1991 

edition of the Decorah Newspapers. Used with permission. 

Dear Editor,

As past and present board member of the Nordic Fest, in response to comments made recently, we feel it is appropriate to review the philosophy of the Fest.

Nordic Fest was founded as a cultural, non-commercial family orientated event celebration of the Decorah area's ethnic background.

It was planned to promote the attractions of our beautiful city and scenic area, and to be an event for families to enjoy at minimum expense. For 25 years, the generosity of the community has made this possible. In return, Decorah has received favorable free publicity throughout the nation. Unquestionably, increased tourism has made a noticeable impact upon our economy.

Many questionnaires completed by Fest visitors indicate their desire to return to the area because of the warm hospitality experience and the absence of commercialism and price gouging during the Fest. Therefore, local businesses can expect profits from these forthcoming visits. Some merchants consider their donations to the Fest as an investment to the future of their business. 

Since the formation of the Fest, Luther College, Vesterheim and Decorah Community Schools have been totally supportive. Vesterheim has always sponsored displays and demonstrations of Norwegian crafts, including the prestigious national folk arts exhibitions - all at no cost to the public. The museum also has brought and paid for numerous artisans to demonstrate during the Fest. Vesterheim should not be criticized for charging the customary, modest entrance fee to its complex. This is one of its sources of operating revenue.

Luther makes its entire campus available for the Fest, including much-needed dormitory space. The college furnishes shuttle buses and driers to and from the campus, personnel to guide the popular Troll Walk, and offers lectures and displays. In addition, the Dorian Opera Theater enhances the Fest program, with its professionally produced musicals. 

Each year at the annual meeting the board asses the operation of the Fest and strongly encourages suggestions from the public.

Jane Bullard, '91 Fest President, and board members past and present 

Mange tusen takk for Nordic Fest support

Creative Commons photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zooboing/

The following letter to the editor appeared in the Decorah Newspapers following the 1994 Nordic Fest. Used with permission. 

Dear Editor:

On behalf of myself and the Nordic Fest Board of Directors, I would like to give a warm and hearty thanks to everyone who helped make Decorah's 28th annual Nordic Fest a success. 

It truly would not be possible without the full and complete cooperation we have from countless businesses, organizations and individuals. Together we, the citizens of Decorah, make things happen. And it's very much appreciated.

Many of us hear visitors express comments on how much they enjoyed the 1994 Nordic Fest and its varied activities. From young to old, lots of fun was had. I have strong suspicions that many of these folks will come back to Decorah in the future. Let's hope so.

If you have not had the opportunity to get involved in the Nordic Fest, please consider it. When you volunteer, you will meet interesting and friendly folks as well as be the good Samaritan an organization or individual needs - and hundreds of hands are needed.

Also, if you care to have visitors stay in your home, you may just find a new and valued friend. When our motels and dorms are full, the modest prices charged for a comfortable bed and bath in a private home may be just the little boost a family's income needs to help cover the cost of something special. This income is well-deserved for the efforts of giving your home the "spit and polish" treatment that makes a visitor feel they're in good hands.

I'm very grateful for the spirit of Decorah and its citizens - urban and rural. It's a great thing to share and that's just what we do - at Nordic Fest. Mange tusen takk.

Cindy Johnson, Decorah

President 1994 Nordic Fest

Nordic Fest routine remains the same: guest post

The following copyright editorial appeared in a post-Nordic Fest 2001 edition of the Decorah Newspapers and was authored by the late Margaret Gulsvig.  Used with permission. 
To learn more about Margaret's life, click here. See August 31 for another of Margaret's Nordic Fest columns.

It is now five years since yours truly's opinion first emerged on the opinion page of this paper.

I'd been at Nordic Fest for about the 100th time, and as I drove back to Wisconsin, I found myself mentally writing my opinion about the weekend and somehow it got in the mail.

Actually, I'd spent the week at Lutherlag at the college (love Lutherlag) just as I'd often done, and one of my classmates said, "Hey, I saw your opinion in the paper."

I've hardly ever missed a Nordic Fest. Once, I'd even taken tickets at the Museum when a group came through from Roland, Iowa. I naively asked if anyone knew a lady named Cora.

"Of course," they said. "Why do you ask?" Well, Cora had been my baptismal sponsor way, way back and I'd always wanted to meet her. It was just one of the typically odd things that you could plan on developing at Nordic Fest. Last year, a long lost cousin from Minnesota was here asking people how to get in touch with me. 

My Nordic Fest routine has always been pretty much the same. First, there's always been a dinner at Washington Prairie where a cousin stood ready to dish up coleslaw and trimmings. 

Parade day is always sitting on the courthouse lawn watching the parade with Bob and Bard - all of it great. But when traffic problems rerouted the parade straight down Water Street, it made curb-sitters out of all ages. Sitting on the curb is okay and there's always good memories of the grandeur of that courthouse lawn. However, sitting curbside once even resulted in us exchanging Christmas cards with those beside us.

And then it was walking up and down Water Street, sampling the wares, some being made inside the store windows, then perching again on the sidewalk curb to take in the entertainment: great music often by beautifully dressed dancers from Norway, great juggling guys and an outfit that made incredible Danish muffins. But don't forget varme polse - a great name for hot dogs.

It was a long, hot walk down what some still call North Alley to see the rosemaling, the wood caring, the Norwegian stitchery of all kinds, as well as sampling sumptuous salivary sustenance along the way, savoring the steak sandwiches created by nearby rural gentlemen farmers, and later trying to decide which church offered the best menu, ending up trying them all.

Meanwhile, the college helped move the traffic with vans offering trips from there, where many visitors found lodging. Local citizens are also in the routine of renting sleep accommodations for the weekend. 

Finally, let's not forget the opera - to show Scandinavian culture is a vital part of the celebration. Yours truly still chokes up remembering the fiddler who played so beautifully from the roof of the stage setting one year at - what else? "Fiddler on the Roof."

Sift it all together and you have Nordic Fest, with cooperation of one and all spelling SUCCESS. Grandma and grandpa must be very proud as they peek down on this great weekend celebration in honor of their coming to this world.

It's five years since someone bumbled into me and announced, "I saw your article." Thanks to one Mr. Fromm, who condescends to publish my sentiments periodically, as well as to all who have made comments, including 100-year-old Lettie Wright, who agreed with my diatribe about email, honoring my mailbox with lovely pink stationery containing a beautifully handwritten letter.

Mange take, one and all - and while you are here - Ta det med ro!