The Norwegian Festival In Wisconsin That’s Full Of Authentic Delights
By Megan Shute|Published March 12, 2019
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Across America, and in particular, Wisconsin, you will find countless incredible festivals in the spring and summer months celebrating everything from a city’s favorite food to cultural heritage. Wisconsin’s festivals are obviously our favorite, and while we love all of these incredible celebrations, today, we’re sharing with you a one-of-a-kind festival that celebrates all things Norwegian. Mark your calendar, because this heritage festival features authentic delights you won’t want to miss.
With a population of approximately 13,000, Stoughton, Wisconsin might be most well known for its annual Syttende Mai Festival, a weekend-long celebration of Norwegian Heritage that features both cultural experiences and fun activities the entire family will love.
This city-wide festival is held every year on the weekend closest to Norway’s May 17 Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai. This year’s celebration will be held on May 17-19, 2019, so mark your calendar!
Stoughton enjoyed an influx of Norwegian immigrants from the late 1800s through the early 1900s, and at one point, as many as 75 percent of its residents spoke Norwegian. These immigrants unofficially celebrated Syttende Mai for years, but it wasn’t until the 1950s when it became an annual, city-wide tradition.
Now in its 66th year, Stoughton’s Syttende Mai Festival is a three-day extravaganza, featuring parades, amazing foods and drinks, arts and music, athletic competitions, kids' activities, and more — all steeped in centuries of Norwegian culture, of course.
You’ll be entertained all weekend with live performances of all kinds, including live Norwegian art demonstrations, a Norse costume style show, Norwegian dancers, Hardanger fiddle concerts, and an original presentation from the Stoughton Village Players Theatre.
But that’s not all. With two parades, a community run, and an arts and craft fair, each and every member of your family will have a different favorite memory from this one-of-a-kind Norwegian festival full of authentic delights.
You can also join in on the fun at the Viking Strongman Competition, enjoy a local craft brew or Norwegian specialty, or watch the 43rd annual Canoe Race and portage down the Yahara River. This is truly one festival you won’t want to miss.
For more information about this one-of-a-kind festival, click here. Tell us, do you plan on attending the Syttende Mai Festival held May 17-19, 2019, in Stoughton, Wisconsin? If you’ve been in the past, share your experiences and opinions with us in the comments below. Then, click here to read all about a charming cafe in Stoughton you absolutely must visit.
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