Celebrating their Scandinavian ancestry, Scandinavian Americans, from Minnesota to Oregon highlight their heritage with a number of Scandinavian themed events.
From North America’s largest Scandinavian festival Norsk Høstfest in North Dakota, to Oregon’s Midsummer Scandinavian Festival in Astoria, all complete with Scandinavian food and dancing, art and entertainment - and even a troll run.
MINNESOTA
Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival
June
Moorhead, Minnesota
Authentic Scandinavian event featuring dancing, entertainment, booths and food celebrating the heritage of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The festival takes place at the Heritage Hjemkomst Center, home of the Viking ship which sailed from Minnesota to Norway in 1982.
For more information visit: www.scandinavianhjemkomstfestival.com
MONTANA
Libby Nordicfest
July
Libby, Montana
The Libby community celebrates its Scandinavian Heritage every year on the second weekend in September.
Libby Nordicfest is a gala affair featuring Scandinavian foods, a juried craft show, traditional folk costumes, free outdoor entertainment, a quilt show, concerts, music and arts. There are special events like the Grand Parade, Bunad Procession, International Fjord Horse Show, Kootenai Karacters Melodrama, Swedish Varpa (rock throw) and a youth Runnerfell.
For more information visit: www.libbynordicfest.org
OREGON
Midsummer Scandinavian Festival
June
Astoria, Oregon
A tradition for more than 40 years, the Midsummer Scandinavian Festival is a three-day celebration of Scandinavian traditions with dancing, music, food, trolls and colorful costumes that bring the old country heritage to life.
Highlights of the fair include Miss Scandinavia, the Midnight Sun Scandinavian Breakfast, and the Troll Run, a stroll or run through the Olney Countryside, an Optog (walking parade) through downtown Astoria, and the popular Viking Feast.
For more information visit: www.astoriascanfest.com
NORTH DAKOTA
Norsk Høstfest
September
East Minot
A tradition for over 30 years, the annual Norsk Høstfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, takes place at at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in east Minot.
Norsk Høstfest celebrates the heritage and culture of the five Nordic countries with entertainment and Nordic food (from family booths to gourmet restaurants) clothes, art and jewelry. More than 200 internationally recognized artisans, craftsmen and chefs participate.
For more information visit: www.hostfest.com
