





46th Annual Nordic Fest July 26-28: 'Return to the Nest for the 46th Fest' See Thursday's Decorah Journal for complete pre-Fest coverage.



The 46th annual celebration's theme is "Return to the Nest for the 46th Fest."



The popularity of the Raptor Resource Project's eagle cam has spread the Decorah name to millions of people around the world. Recently the famous "D-1" eagle (equipped with transmitter device) returned home to Decorah after a five month, 900 mile journey through Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.



"This theme sends a symbolic message that Nordic Fest always has a coming-home feeling," said Fest President Wendy Spilde. "And the event proves to be a common weekend for family reunions; class reunions and friends who meet from states away to be together."



Nordic Fest celebrates Decorah's Norwegian Heritage with sporting activities, arts and crafts shows, traditional Norwegian food, guided tours, a bunad show (featuring traditional Norwegian ware), kids' activities, a downtown grand parade, fireworks display and live music.



All the events and entertainment are free.



Opening ceremonies



The fest kicks off tonight (Thursday) at 6:45 p.m. at the Courthouse Square with opening ceremonies featuring a pageantry of flags, Luren Singers (the oldest Norwegian-American male chorus in continuous existence in the U.S.), the Nordic Dancers, Board of Director recognition and the official announcement of the Flag Recipient and Grand Marshal.



This year a special guest will be in attendance: "Angel," the bald eagle.



Thursday evening entertainment also features local favorites Jim Busta Band with Mollie B, along with the Highway 52 Bluegrass Band, Ricky Rowray balloon artist and a new teen dance in Canopy 5.



Sporting events



Visitors may partake in sporting events like the 5 or 15K Elvelopet Race, the popular Nordic Rock Throw or the always fun-to-watch, Lutefisk Eating Contest.



New this year is the Kubb Tournament. Kubb is best described as a combination of horseshoes and bowling.



Special note - the Kanolopet (canoe/kayak race) has been cancelled for the year due to low water levels and safety is of utmost concern. Registration forms for all sporting events are located at www.nordicfest.com or at the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce.



Entertainment



Sign-up now for the first-ever "Norwegians Got Talent" talent show. Singing, dancing, acrobatics, comedy, juggling, yo-yoing etc. It's free, just for fun, and talents of all kinds and for all ages are welcome. Pre-registration is encouraged, go to www.nordicfest.com and click "Entertainment & Activities." Registrants can sign up at the event as well.



The Arts & Crafts and Antique Show are also a must stop at the Decorah Middle School, both happening Fri. and Sat., 9-4 p.m. The craft show offers free admission, although the antique show is a $2 charge. The Middle School is also the new home to kids' games and activities, rock throw, petting zoo and the Winneshiek County Cattleman food stand.



Fest goers of all ages will enjoy free musical entertainment from popular local and regional artists along with groups who travel all the way from Norway and Sweden. The Nordic Dancers, always a crowd favorite, perform multiple times throughout the fest including Opening Ceremonies, Fri., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (at the courthouse) and Sat. during the parade and 7 p.m. at the courthouse.



Alaska String Band will join the fest all the way from Juneau - although this Zahasky family is originally from Decorah. Recognized internationally, this dynamic 5-member band plays Americana-style music. Set to perform Thurs., 8 p.m. at Canopy 3.



Kids will love the Eulenspiegel Puppet shows featuring entertaining storylines, live music and sound effects. Three shows are Sat., at 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. at Canopy 1.



Nordic Fest is thrilled to welcome back Stix of Fury, a group of drummers from Blooming Prairie School District in Minnesota. Their fierce-style of percussion is incredibly entertaining and shows off the tremendous talent of these skilled youngsters. They are set to perform on Sat. in the Grand Parade and at 1:30 p.m., Courthouse Square.



Kai Robert Johansen is making the trip all the way from Sarpsborg, Norway. Several of this trumpeter's 46 records have made the top ten lists in Norway and have earned gold record recognition. Johansen will play Fri. at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. and Sat. at 2 and 6 p.m.



Vikarbyns Lilla Spelmans lag is coming all the way from Orsa, Sweden. These 10 fiddlers, ages 16-24, will entertain with traditional Swedish folk music Friday, 1 and 3 p.m.



A complete entertainment schedule is located in the official program guide, available at the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce for $2 or online for free at www.nordicfest.com.



Parade



Nordic Fest Grand Parade begins at 10:30 a.m., Sat. Line-up begins at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. Parade entries are still being accepted. Call or stop by the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce for an entry form.



Canopy 5 entertainment



Canopy 5 is a free gate and everyone is welcome to bring lawn chairs. Music Friday and Saturday is 8 p.m. - midnight. This year's feature entertainers are local sensations.



The Back Home Boys hit the stage Friday. This group's genre is top country but don't be surprised to hear '70s, '80s and rock. They'll have the crowd dancing all night long.



The El Caminos are back by popular demand to close out Saturday night. This cover band performs just about everything. They "shift gears smoothly through rock and country favorites and blow the doors off with some current pop."



Fireworks will hit the sky at 10 p.m.



Food



It wouldn't be a festival without the food. Food booths support local non-profit groups. Prepare yourself to smell, see and taste traditional Norwegian food all over Decorah this weekend; expect Lefse, Varme Polse, Rommegrot, Norwegian meatballs, Kringle, Rosettes and local favorites like pork chop on a stick, the Moo-Mobile and all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.



Church Dinners are always popular during the fest.



Norwegian Lunch at Congregational U.C.C. Church is Fri., 11-2 p.m. Menu includes: mixed green salad with turkey, ham and a variety of fresh vegetables, homemade dressings, fresh fruit cup or sweet soup, homemade butterhorns, and lefse, meat and cheese trays, herring, cookies, Norwegian pastries and drink. Adults $10, children 10 and under, $5.



Smorgasbord at Decorah Lutheran Church is Fri., 5-7 p.m. Menu includes: Norwegian meatballs, ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, herring, green beans, coleslaw, relish tray, lefse, rolls, sweet soup, rommegrot, Norwegian pastries and drink. Adults $12, children under age 10, $6.



Norwegian Dinner at First Lutheran Church is Sat., 4-7:15 p.m. Menu includes: Meatballs, ham, herring, glazed carrots, parsley potatoes, cheeses, lefse, salads, sweet soup, rommegrot, Norwegian pastries and drink. Adults $12, children 10 and under, $6.



Advanced meal tickets are available at church offices or the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce.



Area Tours



The popular Trollheim, Tur til fots (Tour of the Troll Trails) is back. This 1-hr. guided tour will take passengers Fri. and Sat. by van to some of the city's most notable sites including Palisades and Dunning's Spring Park by guided "Trollologists." They'll explain pioneer history plus share troll tales. No charge, but tickets are required.



The Garden Tours are hosted by Decorah's Town & Country Garden Club. Featured stops include the home of Karen & Ron Fretheim, Karen and Andy Van Der Maaten and Ruth Lynch & Olivette Klinner. Self-guided driving directions are included in the fest program.



The Eagle Dash Bus Tours are back by popular demand. Hop aboard these free shuttles for a trip to the famous Decorah Eagle's Nest at the Fish Hatchery. Guides will share stories about the town, eagles and the hatchery. Visitors will have time to hopefully see the eagles, feed the fish and enjoy seeing Siewers Spring and the new Trout Run Trail. Tours depart the Chamber on Fri. at 10 a.m., 11:30, 1 p.m., 2:30, and 4. Sat. tours include 12:30 p.m., 2, 3:30 and 5. Advanced tickets are required and are available at the Chamber. Free-will donations accepted on each shuttle.



Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum



The world-famous Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is in the heart of all this activity. Located on Water Street, Vesterheim will be offering tours of the museum, classes, art exhibits, and other activities throughout the fest. This attraction boasts over 24,000 artifacts and has 16 historic buildings as part of its main complex. It showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts and preserves living traditions through classes in Norwegian culture and folk art, including rosemaling (decorative painting), woodcarving and woodworking, knifemaking, and textile arts.



Volunteers



It is also important to remember that Nordic Fest would not take place without the tremendous community effort of teamwork each year. An all-volunteer Board of Directors meet throughout the entire year to organize the activities, fundraise and market the event to visitors.



"Nordic Fest is an unbelievable testament to the strength of those who live in this community," said Nordic Fest President, Wendy Spilde. "The people of Decorah put their heart and soul into creating Scandinavian family fun that welcomes new and returning guests to the area each year."



If you would like to be involved or volunteer your time in any way, please contact any board member.



More information



For more information about the 2012 Nordic Fest, download an official program guide, register for sporting events or the parade, purchase merchandise, medals, buttons or programs, visit www.nordicfest.com, call 800-382-FEST or stop by Nordic Fest Headquarters (Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce) at 507 W. Water St., Decorah.



The entire city of Decorah is gearing up for its largest festival of the year, Nordic Fest, July 26-28.The 46th annual celebration's theme is "Return to the Nest for the 46th Fest."The popularity of the Raptor Resource Project's eagle cam has spread the Decorah name to millions of people around the world. Recently the famous "D-1" eagle (equipped with transmitter device) returned home to Decorah after a five month, 900 mile journey through Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa."This theme sends a symbolic message that Nordic Fest always has a coming-home feeling," said Fest President Wendy Spilde. "And the event proves to be a common weekend for family reunions; class reunions and friends who meet from states away to be together."Nordic Fest celebrates Decorah's Norwegian Heritage with sporting activities, arts and crafts shows, traditional Norwegian food, guided tours, a bunad show (featuring traditional Norwegian ware), kids' activities, a downtown grand parade, fireworks display and live music.All the events and entertainment are free.The fest kicks off tonight (Thursday) at 6:45 p.m. at the Courthouse Square with opening ceremonies featuring a pageantry of flags, Luren Singers (the oldest Norwegian-American male chorus in continuous existence in the U.S.), the Nordic Dancers, Board of Director recognition and the official announcement of the Flag Recipient and Grand Marshal.This year a special guest will be in attendance: "Angel," the bald eagle.Thursday evening entertainment also features local favorites Jim Busta Band with Mollie B, along with the Highway 52 Bluegrass Band, Ricky Rowray balloon artist and a new teen dance in Canopy 5.Visitors may partake in sporting events like the 5 or 15K Elvelopet Race, the popular Nordic Rock Throw or the always fun-to-watch, Lutefisk Eating Contest.New this year is the Kubb Tournament. Kubb is best described as a combination of horseshoes and bowling.Special note - the Kanolopet (canoe/kayak race) has been cancelled for the year due to low water levels and safety is of utmost concern. Registration forms for all sporting events are located at www.nordicfest.com or at the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce.Sign-up now for the first-ever "Norwegians Got Talent" talent show. Singing, dancing, acrobatics, comedy, juggling, yo-yoing etc. It's free, just for fun, and talents of all kinds and for all ages are welcome. Pre-registration is encouraged, go to www.nordicfest.com and click "Entertainment & Activities." Registrants can sign up at the event as well.The Arts & Crafts and Antique Show are also a must stop at the Decorah Middle School, both happening Fri. and Sat., 9-4 p.m. The craft show offers free admission, although the antique show is a $2 charge. The Middle School is also the new home to kids' games and activities, rock throw, petting zoo and the Winneshiek County Cattleman food stand.Fest goers of all ages will enjoy free musical entertainment from popular local and regional artists along with groups who travel all the way from Norway and Sweden. The Nordic Dancers, always a crowd favorite, perform multiple times throughout the fest including Opening Ceremonies, Fri., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (at the courthouse) and Sat. during the parade and 7 p.m. at the courthouse.Alaska String Band will join the fest all the way from Juneau - although this Zahasky family is originally from Decorah. Recognized internationally, this dynamic 5-member band plays Americana-style music. Set to perform Thurs., 8 p.m. at Canopy 3.Kids will love the Eulenspiegel Puppet shows featuring entertaining storylines, live music and sound effects. Three shows are Sat., at 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m. at Canopy 1.Nordic Fest is thrilled to welcome back Stix of Fury, a group of drummers from Blooming Prairie School District in Minnesota. Their fierce-style of percussion is incredibly entertaining and shows off the tremendous talent of these skilled youngsters. They are set to perform on Sat. in the Grand Parade and at 1:30 p.m., Courthouse Square.Kai Robert Johansen is making the trip all the way from Sarpsborg, Norway. Several of this trumpeter's 46 records have made the top ten lists in Norway and have earned gold record recognition. Johansen will play Fri. at noon, 4 and 6 p.m. and Sat. at 2 and 6 p.m.Vikarbyns Lilla Spelmans lag is coming all the way from Orsa, Sweden. These 10 fiddlers, ages 16-24, will entertain with traditional Swedish folk music Friday, 1 and 3 p.m.A complete entertainment schedule is located in the official program guide, available at the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce for $2 or online for free at www.nordicfest.com.Nordic Fest Grand Parade begins at 10:30 a.m., Sat. Line-up begins at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. Parade entries are still being accepted. Call or stop by the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce for an entry form.Canopy 5 is a free gate and everyone is welcome to bring lawn chairs. Music Friday and Saturday is 8 p.m. - midnight. This year's feature entertainers are local sensations.The Back Home Boys hit the stage Friday. This group's genre is top country but don't be surprised to hear '70s, '80s and rock. They'll have the crowd dancing all night long.The El Caminos are back by popular demand to close out Saturday night. This cover band performs just about everything. They "shift gears smoothly through rock and country favorites and blow the doors off with some current pop."Fireworks will hit the sky at 10 p.m.It wouldn't be a festival without the food. Food booths support local non-profit groups. Prepare yourself to smell, see and taste traditional Norwegian food all over Decorah this weekend; expect Lefse, Varme Polse, Rommegrot, Norwegian meatballs, Kringle, Rosettes and local favorites like pork chop on a stick, the Moo-Mobile and all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.Church Dinners are always popular during the fest.Norwegian Lunch at Congregational U.C.C. Church is Fri., 11-2 p.m. Menu includes: mixed green salad with turkey, ham and a variety of fresh vegetables, homemade dressings, fresh fruit cup or sweet soup, homemade butterhorns, and lefse, meat and cheese trays, herring, cookies, Norwegian pastries and drink. Adults $10, children 10 and under, $5.Smorgasbord at Decorah Lutheran Church is Fri., 5-7 p.m. Menu includes: Norwegian meatballs, ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, herring, green beans, coleslaw, relish tray, lefse, rolls, sweet soup, rommegrot, Norwegian pastries and drink. Adults $12, children under age 10, $6.Norwegian Dinner at First Lutheran Church is Sat., 4-7:15 p.m. Menu includes: Meatballs, ham, herring, glazed carrots, parsley potatoes, cheeses, lefse, salads, sweet soup, rommegrot, Norwegian pastries and drink. Adults $12, children 10 and under, $6.Advanced meal tickets are available at church offices or the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce.Area ToursThe popular Trollheim, Tur til fots (Tour of the Troll Trails) is back. This 1-hr. guided tour will take passengers Fri. and Sat. by van to some of the city's most notable sites including Palisades and Dunning's Spring Park by guided "Trollologists." They'll explain pioneer history plus share troll tales. No charge, but tickets are required.The Garden Tours are hosted by Decorah's Town & Country Garden Club. Featured stops include the home of Karen & Ron Fretheim, Karen and Andy Van Der Maaten and Ruth Lynch & Olivette Klinner. Self-guided driving directions are included in the fest program.The Eagle Dash Bus Tours are back by popular demand. Hop aboard these free shuttles for a trip to the famous Decorah Eagle's Nest at the Fish Hatchery. Guides will share stories about the town, eagles and the hatchery. Visitors will have time to hopefully see the eagles, feed the fish and enjoy seeing Siewers Spring and the new Trout Run Trail. Tours depart the Chamber on Fri. at 10 a.m., 11:30, 1 p.m., 2:30, and 4. Sat. tours include 12:30 p.m., 2, 3:30 and 5. Advanced tickets are required and are available at the Chamber. Free-will donations accepted on each shuttle.Vesterheim Norwegian-American MuseumThe world-famous Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is in the heart of all this activity. Located on Water Street, Vesterheim will be offering tours of the museum, classes, art exhibits, and other activities throughout the fest. This attraction boasts over 24,000 artifacts and has 16 historic buildings as part of its main complex. It showcases the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts and preserves living traditions through classes in Norwegian culture and folk art, including rosemaling (decorative painting), woodcarving and woodworking, knifemaking, and textile arts.It is also important to remember that Nordic Fest would not take place without the tremendous community effort of teamwork each year. An all-volunteer Board of Directors meet throughout the entire year to organize the activities, fundraise and market the event to visitors."Nordic Fest is an unbelievable testament to the strength of those who live in this community," said Nordic Fest President, Wendy Spilde. "The people of Decorah put their heart and soul into creating Scandinavian family fun that welcomes new and returning guests to the area each year."If you would like to be involved or volunteer your time in any way, please contact any board member.For more information about the 2012 Nordic Fest, download an official program guide, register for sporting events or the parade, purchase merchandise, medals, buttons or programs, visit www.nordicfest.com, call 800-382-FEST or stop by Nordic Fest Headquarters (Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce) at 507 W. Water St., Decorah. X