Uff Da, That's a Lot of Lefse

DECORAH — Lefse Chair Martha Griesheimer ran a very tight ship at this year's Nordic Fest Lefse Booth. With a group of dedicated volunteers spanning multiple local community organizations with various crucial skillsets, Griesheimer's team managed to sell a whopping 8,000 rounds of lefse; a notable increase from last year's already impressive 7,632 rounds. Nordic Fest Board Member Sarah Brandt, just one of the many volunteers who managed the booth's cash register during the festivities, explained the process of getting fresh lefse to eagerly-awaiting customers' hands. "We have volunteers in the Oneota Community Co-Op's kitchen directly behind the tent who are heating up the rounds on irons to make fresh for fest-goers who want to buy it then and there," Brandt said. "We have runners who quickly and carefully sprint from the kitchen to the tent and back to ensure the lefse is as warm as possible... Folks can then add condiments like butter, cinnamon, brown sugar. or white sugar. [Or] folks also have the option of getting 'To-Go Lefse' in bulk packages." Fest-goers can also see for themselves how to fully prep lefse by taking a peek into the Co-Op kitchen's window. There, volunteers demonstrate the process of mixing, rolling out the dough, flattening it out and putting it on the iron. "Thank you to everyone who visited the lefse booth this year," Brandt added. "And to everyone who helped make it one of the most successful years yet." Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.