Uff Da! Nordic Fest 2024 Number-by-Number

DECORAH — The Nordic Fest Board has shared the 2024 Nordic Fest Annual Report, showcasing a variety of statistics that show the true extent of the 57th annual celebration spirit. Highlights include: $57,578 supported by 2024 Nordic Fest membership. 8,000 rounds of official Nordic Fest lefse sold, a new record. 900+ volunteers utilized to make all Nordic Fest events and activities possible, including 20 Board Members serving year-round. 955 admissions to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. 611 Elveløpet 5K and 15K participants, along with 48 Kanoløpet paddlers. 1st time for the Sámi flag to be included at Opening Ceremonies in the presentation of flags, a historic moment. These record-setting numbers can be attributed to the dedication of The Nordic Fest Board, a group of volunteers who love Nordic Fest and look forward to bringing the event to the Decorah community and the thousands of visitors who join each year. "I continue to be amazed by the incredible amount of support we receive from our business and organizational sponsors, and members," Sarah Brandt, membership chair of the Nordic Fest Board expressed. "This level of support means we not only get to continue operating an amazing Nordic Fest, but we also get to try new things and develop the Fest based on feedback we hear to make it even more enjoyable for our attendees." "We had a fun and very successful Nordic Fest at the lefse booth thanks to a great lineup of helpers including RSVP volunteers and members of the DHS swim teams," Martha Griesheimer, lefse chair of the Nordic Fest Board, said. "Lefse sales help cover things people love about Nordic Fest, such as the music and fireworks. 8,000 rounds of lefse was the perfect amount to ensure there was enough to last through the end of the event." "This year, the factors best aligned to move forward with the Fest's official integration of the Sámi flag," Alyssa Ritter, project manager for Nordic Fest, highlighted. "Last year was the first step of including information on the flag in the Nordic Fest program, and this year Vesterheim took the lead from Norway in including the flag more prominently. With the enthusiastic support of visiting Sámi artist Hege Nilsen, the flag was officially added to the lineup during opening ceremonies." "Vesterheim was excited that Nordic Fest included the Sámi flag this year and uplifted the indigenous people of Northern Scandinavia," Andrew Ellingsen, Director of Folk Art Education at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museuem, added of the flag's inclusion. "We were especially pleased that Sámi artist Hege Nilsen was teaching at Vesterheim Folk Art School and was able to carry the flag for its inaugural inclusion. Hege commented multiple times during Nordic Fest how deeply moving it was to have her culture recognized, and she had many conversations with attendees who have Sámi heritage who said that it was meaningful to them as well." "Vesterheim was so excited to welcome almost a thousand people to the museum during Nordic Fest," Becky Idstrom, Director of Communications and Marketing at Vesterheim Museum, shared. "Vesterheim serves as a core attraction of Nordic Fest and is a place where people can directly connect with practicing folk artists and demonstrators to learn more about Norwegian heritage." Nordic Fest is an annual three-day summer festival held in Decorah that celebrates community and the area's Scandinavian heritage through food, activities, and entertainment for the whole family. The 58th annual Nordic Fest will take place July 24-26, 2025. Learn more and get involved at nordicfest.com. Elevate your inbox with the DecorahNews.com newsletter! Receive free thought-provoking articles, actionable advice and inspiring stories every week.