All Aboard for Nordic Fest 2025: A Journey Through 200 Years of Norwegian Emigration

Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH — The Nordic Fest Board of Directors has announced the 2025 Nordic Fest theme: "Commemorating Crossings 1825-2025." With this year's theme, Nordic Fest joins international, national and local organizations, including Vesterheim, in commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Norwegian Emigration in 2025. On July 4, 1825, a group of 52 Norwegians set sail from Stavanger, Norway on the sloop ship Restauration to make the first organized migration from Norway to North America. Since the Restauration was a type of vessel called a sloop, the immigrants onboard became known as "Sloopers." More than 800,000 Norwegians have followed since then, in search of new opportunities. In North America today, nearly five million people claim Norwegian ancestry. The Nordic Fest Board looks forward to commemorating the 200th anniversary and celebrating the strong ties that continue between Norway and North America, with Nordic Fest Board President Cole Steffen sharing, "Norwegian heritage is strong in the Decorah community and we are excited to be able to commemorate the 200th anniversary of that first crossing, and the crossings that followed, at this year's Nordic Fest. We look forward to seeing local businesses, organizations, and groups incorporate this special theme into Nordic Fest offerings and beyond." Businesses, organizations and groups are encouraged to incorporate the 2025 theme into food specials, window displays, activity offerings, and parade float entries at this year's festival in July. Nordic Fest is an annual three-day summer festival held in Decorah, Iowa that celebrates community and the area's Scandinavian heritage. The 58th annual Nordic Fest will take place July 24-26, 2025. Organized by a board of volunteers, Nordic Fest offers food, activities and entertainment for the whole family. Learn more and get involved at nordicfest.com. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.