By Charlene Corson Selbee
You do not have to be Norwegian or a kid to enjoy Spring Grove’s Syttende Mai celebration Wednesday. May 17 through Sunday, May 21.
On May 17, Norwegians celebrate the 1814 signing of the country’s constitution. In Norway Constitution Day is a party for everyone especially children. Spring Grove has planned a weekend of events for children, so don’t leave yours at home! There will also be plenty of activities for adults.
Barnetoget, the children’s parade starts off the activities at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday at the Spring Grove School. The parade heads down Main Street to the Viking Memorial Park. Kindergarteners will ride in the Viking ship and children in grades 1-6 will follow behind singing and waving Norwegian flags. At the park the children will weave a Maypole and play familiar outdoor games like Kubb, rope pulling, and sack races before enjoying a delicious snack of Varme Pølse (hot dog wrapped in lefsa) and Spring Grove soda.
What could be more fun than Running with the Gnomes 5K race on Saturday? Join in and dress up as your favorite Gnome.
At noon on Saturday is the Grand Parade featuring the Nordic Dancers, a group of youth from Decorah, Iowa, clowns, dogs, antique cars, floats, and more.
On Friday evening from 7-10 p.m. is a dance specifically for teens at the Fest Building.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Viking Park and the Trinity Church grounds will be filled with children’s activities including the pedal pull competition, inflatables, yard games, nerf war, petting zoo, bingo, human hamster balls, Balloons by Kevin, Tappy’s Face as well as Kaptain Kirby Train. The annual soap box races will be held on South Division Ave.
Adults have not been left out of the fun! Visitors will find Pat’s Brewery selling wood fired pizza and craft beer; for the book connoisseur, local author Joanne Griffen is signing her new book and there is a quilt show, live entertainment, and vendors will be setup at Viking Park plus Spring Grove stores will be open. Town residents will open their garage doors for the city-wide garage sale on Friday and Saturday plus there are special exhibits at the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center.
Visitors will not leave hungry. Enjoy tradition Norwegian delicacies, brats, pork burgers, and waffles.
Walk the Norwegian Ridge Trail located in the wooded hills on the outskirts of Spring Grove during your visit.
Visit sgsyttendemai.com/schedule for the complete schedule of fun activities.
Upcoming Bluff County events
•SEMBA Spring Bluegrass Festival, Houston, Minn., May 19-21
•Preston Trout Days, Preston, Minn., May 19-21
•Root River Triathlon, Houston, Minn., May 20
•Spring Valley 100 Bike Race, Spring Valley, Minn., May 20
•State Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, Preston, Minn., May 28
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For information on upcoming town festivals and events in Historic Bluff Country, vacation ideas for lodging, recreation, dining, and shopping, check out the magazine in print or online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
