VIKING FEST

Do you know what weekend this is? It's VIKING FEST in Poulsbo!

This is the official weekend for tourists and natives alike to get their Norwegian groove on, and the town will be hopping - and crowded.

A quote (and photo above), borrowed* from the official Viking Fest website (use the link if you want more info):

Poulsbo's Viking Fest is a celebration of Norway's Constitution Day of May 17th (in Norwegian -"Syttende mai"), it is also referred to as Norway's national holiday (independence day is incorrect). In Norway, it is a festival of flags and colorful processions, where children have a central part to play as they walk to the music of marching bands. It is a time when you see traditional Norwegian costumes as a very prominent and natural part of the celebrations. The festivities last from the early morning to late at night. Parties with family and friends featuring traditional food and drinks are common. This is the most important day for the children during the summer...

The day commemorates the adoption by Norway's parliament of
its own constitution on May 17, 1814. A constitution in large part modeled on the constitution of the U.S. At that time the country was still a part of a union with Sweden, and May 17 became a lasting, unifying national symbol in the struggle for its independence that finally happened in 1905.
Velkommen...Come, Join the Celebration!

*Copyright 2009 Viking Fest Corporation©. All Rights Reserved. Viking Fest thanks Community Concepts© for their years of sponsorship & service!Viking Fest Poulsbo, WA USA celebrating 40 years of Heritage

Kids love it. Norwegians love it. Gbergers tend to avoid it, because we've "done" it many, many times over the years...except for David; he must go to "see and be seen," as he and Katie and their friends have always done. Friday is a big night for gathering in the waterfront park, eating "carnival food" and riding the carnival rides, checking out all of the action, including Norwegian dancing & music. The rest of the weekend includes a 5-K race, a pancake breakfast, the parade, a lutefisk-eating contest, more dancing & music, Norwegian culture displays and TRAFFIC JAMS. If you are in the mood for a small-town Norwegian festival, come on down! I hope you have a fun and festive weekend, whatever you plan to do.