Nordic Fest facts for kids

Nordic Fest is a fun festival held every year in Decorah, Iowa. It celebrates the old traditions and culture of Scandinavian countries, especially Norway. The festival always takes place on the last weekend of July. Lots of people come to visit, sometimes as many as 75,000!

History of Nordic Fest

Nordic Fest started in 1967. It grew from a yearly party held by the Luther College Women's Club. This party celebrated Norwegian Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai. Norwegian-Americans are very proud of their background. This is why Nordic Fest has become such a big and important event. Every year, the people of Decorah, Iowa, put on a huge celebration of their old traditions. It brings people to the beautiful hills of northeast Iowa. It's like a big family reunion for Scandinavian-Americans from many states.

Fun Activities at the Festival

The whole community helps make Nordic Fest special. For example, the Decorah Nordic Dancers are a big part of it. Dancers start learning in third grade. They perform at Nordic Fest and other events until they finish high school. This shows a 10-year commitment!

The festival has many exciting things to see and do:

• You can try traditional foods.
• There's an antique show.
• You can find unique arts and crafts.
• Enjoy live music and Norse storytelling.

Live Demonstrations

You can watch people show off their skills in traditional Norwegian folk art. These demonstrations include:

• Knife making
• Rosemaling (a type of decorative painting)
• Weaving
• Wood carving

Parades and Celebrations

The festival also features a river run and a grand parade. Marchers in the parade wear bunads. These are traditional Norwegian folk costumes. The festival ends with a street dance and a place for refreshments with a band. There is also a spectacular fireworks show over the river! Past bands have included the Backhome Boys and Gaelstorm.

Key Locations: College and Museum

Many Nordic Fest activities happen at Luther College and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. When Norwegian immigrants came to Decorah, they wanted to keep their old ways alive. In 1861, they started Luther College. Then, in 1877, they opened Vesterheim, a museum. Today, Vesterheim is like a village of old pioneer buildings. It keeps traditions alive with workshops and celebrations all year. Many visitors to Nordic Fest stay in the dorms at Luther College. At Vesterheim, you can see amazing Scandinavian art in the Hauge Gallery.

Festival Cancellation in 2020

Nordic Fest did not happen in 2020. Officials decided to cancel it because of the COVID-19 pandemic.