Norst Hostfest Scandinavian Fest in North Dakota
Largest Nordic Festival in America: Minot ND September 30-October 5
Aug 31, 2008
Scandinavians love to celebrate their heritage and keep the traditions of the "Old Country." Ethnic festivals are a terrific way to keep various cultures alive, passing on traditions to the young. The largest Scandinavian festival in North America is held in Minot, North Dakota. Norst Hostfest is held September 30 to October 4, 2008. Norst Hostfest features the heritage, traditions and food of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland.
Minot has a sister city relationship with Skien, Norway, which sends a delegation to the festival every year. People travel from all over North America to party Scandinavian style in North Dakota. Norst Hostfest is celebrating the 31th year of the Scandinavian Festival.
According to the official festival website, Norst Hostfest is the largest Scandinavian festival in North America. Festival attractions include the North House Folk School Exhibit Area, Nordic Treasures, Scandinavian food, concerts and top entertainment.
North House Folk School Exhibit Area
Folk arts are demonstrated and kept alive in the folk school exhibit. Demonstrations of Scandinavian crafts include spoon carvers, birch bark weavers, Swedish and Norwegian fiber art and more. The exhibit also offers the opportunity for three day long course that invite participates to learn traditional crafts.
Nordic Treasures
Over 200 artisans, craftsmen and chefs participate in the festival. Nordic treasures at the festival bring Scandinavian heritage and traditions alive. Shop at the international marketplace for silver jewelry, Norwegian sweaters, fine art, Scandinavian gifts and souvenirs.
Scandinavian Fare
Dine on authentic Scandinavian food from four sidewalk cafes, including The Scandinavian Kitchen and the Swedish Bakery. Sample Danish Aebelskivers, lefse, lutefisk, Off-Da Tacos, Swedish meatballs, Viking-on-a-stick and rice pudding.
En To Tre! in Oslo Hall is a unique restaurant open for the five days of the festival. The dining hall offers a real Scandinavian Smorgasbord daily for lunch and dinnes. The smorgasbord is a buffet with hot and cold foods, including Scandinavian seafood, meats, cheeses, breads and jams.
Norsk Hostfest Entertainment
Concerts by Headliners
- The Beach Boys, September 30
- Charley Pride, October 1-2
- Kenny Rogers, October 1-2
- Randy Travis, October 3-4
- Daniel O'Connell, October 3-4
Performers who will appear daily include Oak Ridge Boys, Williams & Ree, Jo Ann Castle, The Peking Acrobats, Bjoro Haaland, Ringland 5, The Western Senators, The Abbey Road Band, Sherwin Linton & The Cotton Kings, The Korsleins, Chmielewski Funtime Band, Kentucky Riders, Kahy Bender, Leah Durelle, Kerry Christensen - Master Yodeler, elevenAM Gospel Band, Bunrad Show, Ross Sutter and Rose Arrowsmith, Paul & Mary, Parade of Flags, Dan Patterson, Norst Hostfest Accordion Club Band and Gordy Lindquist.
The five day festival is great time to celebrate and learn about Scandinavian heritage. For addiional information, see the Norst Hostfest website.
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