SYTTENDE MAI CELEBRATIONS!

For those of you wanting to get your party on in honor of Norway's independence day I thought I would share a few great ways to celebrate Syttende Mai this week! No reason to miss out on the celebration just because we live in the US!

Decorah, IA - Vesterheim's Syttende Mai Event - Wednesday, May 17, 2017

My home town of Decorah houses a gem called the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. Each year the museum hosts a Syttende Mai event jam packed with lots of fun activities. Your party can start as early as 9 am with free admission to the museum which goes until 5 pm. I have been through the museum many times and must say it is impressive to see all the history packed in that place! To get an extra view of the museum, take a guided tour of the museum's Open Air Division at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Once you leave the museum, it is just a few blocks walk for the children's parade at 12:15 pm which includes Eden Ehm, a Hardanger fiddle player, Decorah's own Nordic Dancers and Youth Choirs. If you march you get a Norwegian flag to wave! To really have fun, don't forget your bunad at home. If you don't have a bunad, wear red and blue or head to the Gallery of Tops on Water Street to buy a t-shirt. They always have many options for sale.

If the dancing is your way to party, you can dance alongside the Nordic Dancers at 12:35 pm instead of just watching them! My favorite part of the entire event though is the waffle and coffee treat that runs from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. They are, of course, heart shaped and delicious.

All in all, this event is amazing and so much fun! If you are in the SE Minnesota, SW Wisconsin, or NE Iowa area this is certainly an event worth the drive! By the way, the drive to Decorah is beautiful too and worth the time all on its own.

For more information on the event please visit this link.

Minneapolis, MN - Mindekirken Syttende Mai Event - Sunday, May 21, 2017

Not intersted in driving too far? Well you are in luck because the there is an event right in Minneapolis too! Mindekirken the Norwegian Memorial Lutheran Church is hosting a celebration as well.

Starting at 10:30 am there will be a concert featuring the Norwegian Glee Club of Minneapolis, followed by a Norwegian Worship Service. Lastly, following worship there will be a parade where, much like the parades in Norway, all are welcome to participate. Bring your banners and flags! It is certain to be a good time!

For more information on the event please visit this link.

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