Syttende Mai (May 17) is Norway's "Constitution Day," as tradition goes we also celebrate Syttende Mai in the Midwest.
5/21/2007 :: Iowa
Organizer: Vesterheim
What: Syttende Mai Celebration
When: May 17
Where: Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, Decorah, Iowa
More information: Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum E-mail info@vesterheim.org or 563-382-9681
Comments: Children’s parade and activities, free admission to museum all day
Minnesota
Organizer: Syttende Mai Minnesota
What: Syttende Mai Banquet
When: May 18. Social hour 6:00-7:00 pm. Dinner 7:00 pm
Where: Minnesota Valley Country Club
More information: Sons of Norway or e-mail ljonsen@sofn.com
Organizer : Syttende Mai Minnesota
What: Syttende Mai Celebration
When: May 20, 11:00 am
Where: Den Norske Lutherske Mindekirken, 924 E 21st St, Minneapolis MN 55404
More information: E-mail Dennis Sorheim (psorheim@juno.com)
Comments: 11:00 am there will be a service with guest Pastor Jens Dale from Gjøvik, Norway. After the service a parade will take place around the neighborhood, after which hot dogs and ice cream will be available at Mindekirken.From 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm a celebration of heritage will take place including Folk Art demonstrations. The May 17 speaker will be John G. Bernander, former CEO of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corperation.
Organizer: The Hanska Business Association/City of Hanska
What: 23rd Annual Syttende Mai Productions
When: May 17 to May 20
Where: Hanska School Gym, Minnesota
More information: City of Hanska or e-mail smesmo@sleepyeyetel.net
Comments: This years production is “The Magical-Musical Hill of the Beautiful Norske Huldras and the Hanska Homefolk.” There will be one performance per night at 7:00 pm with the exception of Saturday which will also have a 2:00 pm Matinee.
On Sunday May 20 there will be a parade, and there will be crafts, entertainment, and food in the city park.
Ohio
What: Syttende Mai in Columbus
When: Friday, May 18 at 11:30 am
Where: West plaza of the Capitol, Columbus
More information: Esther Charlton at 513-923-3798 or Esthersofn@aol.com
Comments: Friday, May 18 the flag of the Kingdom of Norway will be raised and flown over the Ohio Statehouse in honor of Norway's Constitution Day. Meet at 11:30 on the West plaza of the Capitol and join others afterward for lunch. The flag will be flown from Friday noon until Monday morning.
Organizer: Ohio Norsemen
What: Ohio Norsemen Syttende Mai Fest
When: Sunday, May 20, 1-4:30 pm
Where: Women's Pavilion at Lakewood Park, Lakewood
More information: 440-250-9018 or e-mail cmccut1@juno.com
Comments: Potluck buffet + parade, history, music, drawing, silent auction, shopping, entertainment, games and contests for everyone. Ohio Norsemen will again provide all paper products, coffee/tea, and cold beverages, hot dogs, condiments, sliced ham, and this year we will add sliced turkey. Please contribute a dish to serve at least 12 because picnics produce BIG appetites. Prices: Adult Members=$5.00, Guests/Non-members=$7.50, Children 5-10=$3.00, Children under 5 are free.
Wisconsin
Organizer: Stoughton
What: Syttende Mai Celebration
When: May 18 to May 20
Where : Stoughton, Wisconsin
More information : Stoughton or e-mail syttendemai@gmail.com
Comments : The theme of this year’s festival is “In Step with Tradition”, paying tribute to the 35th Annual Syttende Mai Run. Syttende Mai is Stoughton’s signature event and one that pays tribute to the community’s rich Norwegian heritage. Different activities take place during the Syttende Mai Celebration in Stoughton; from the Canoe Race down the Yahara on Friday night to the children's parade at Saturday to the big parade on Sunday afternoon.
If you have any further information you would like us to add, send us an e-mail: siru@mfa.no