Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
Experience all things Scandinavian at Decorah’s Nordic Fest celebration, July 28 through July 30.
The Luren Singers and Nordic Dancers kick-off the festivities on Thursday evening.
Take in all that the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum has to offer including the Skjaldborg Viking Encampment, folk art exhibits and demonstrations, and the 12- historic buildings in the Heritage Park.
Sporting events start on Friday with the kanoløpet (canoe race) and continue Saturday with the elveløpet (5K and 15K race), Nordic Rock Throw, and the lutefisk eating contest.
Enjoyed Norwegian delicacies, lingonberry ice cream, varme pølse (potato sausage wrapped in lefse), kringla (soft buttermilk cookies), krumkake (crispy wafer-like cookie), rosettes (deep-fried cookie), sandbakkels (cookie tart), Nordic waffles, kjøttboller (Norwegian meatballs), and rømmegrøt (porridge topped with cinnamon and sugar), and the official Nordic Fest lefse.
The names of the bands performing throughout the three days are enough to pique your interest and drive you to attend the festivities. Listen to the sounds of Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchman, Slapdash Bluegrass, Helen Johnson, Norwegian Bachelor Farmers, Kyle Renfro, Savvy History, Grass Run Band, Jason Busniewski, Root River Jam, Driftless Jazz, Ace Jones, Avery Grouws Band, Freeport Social Club, David Zollo & The Body Electric, Blame Not the Bard, Pistol Whippin Party Penguins, Flashback, Foot-Notes, EF5, Savvy History, Jason Busniewski, John Resch & Doggin’ Out, Thor, Rochester Area Accordion Band, American Standard Acoustic Duo, and Norwegian Bachelor Farmers.
Check out the Bunard Fashion Show at the historic Steyer Opera House.
Purchase Scandinavian-themed wooden figurines, fabric and wood gnomes, Hardanger embroidery, rosemaling art, Nordic folk art, and Norwegian needle craft at the Arts & Craft show.
There is plenty for younger Vikings to do. Listen to The Jelly Pops, meet Elsa from Frozen, and take a selfie with the Decorah Bank & Trust Co. trolls, Hans and Hilda. Head over to the ArtHaus for hands-on activities or Decorah Covenant Church to build an eagle’s nest.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy three days of midwestern fun at Houston Hoedown Days, a top 10 Minnesota Celebration, July 29-31.
Activities include a kiddie parade, kiddie pedal tractor pull, craft/flea market, bingo, softball tournament, diesel truck and tractor pull, live entertainment, 5K run/walk, cornhole and horseshoe tournament, antique tractor display and car show, the Grande Parade, and fireworks show.
Don’t forget to attend the pie and ice cream social at the Looney Valley Lutheran Church for old-time and delicious food.
Upcoming events:
• August 4-7, Buffalo Bill Days, Lanesboro, Minn.
The Visit Bluff Country Magazine is delivered to more than 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This magazine has a mission of promoting tourism in the Historic Bluff Country (Driftless) region.
For information on upcoming town festival and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
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