Nordic Fest Announces President for the 59th Annual Fest

You'll want to remember this moment. Help us record what's happening in Decorah. DECORAH — The Nordic Fest Board of Directors has appointed Sarah Brandt as president of the 2026 Nordic Fest. The board voted unanimously to elevate Brandt to the role, recognizing her years of dedicated volunteer service and active involvement with the festival. A lifelong Decorah resident and Luther College graduate, Brandt said she has long viewed Nordic Fest as a meaningful celebration of community. For her, the festival represents more than a weekend of events; it is a shared homecoming that brings generations together. "Nordic Fest has always felt like a citywide homecoming," Brandt said. "I grew up in Decorah and graduated from Luther College, and every year as the Fest approaches, conversations begin with, 'Will we see each other at Nordic Fest?' Walking Water Street during the Fest is filled with opportunities to reconnect with friends, greet familiar faces and form new connections. It's a special thing to experience in our little corner of the world." That sense of connection is central to Brandt's excitement for her new role. As president, she said she looks forward to honoring Nordic Fest's long-standing traditions while also embracing new ideas that reflect the evolving community the festival serves. As planning begins for the 2026 festival, Brandt said she is eager to continue Nordic Fest's tradition of celebrating Decorah's Scandinavian heritage while fostering welcoming and inclusive experiences for residents, visitors and festival-goers of all ages. She said she looks forward to working alongside the festival's volunteers, local organizations and community partners, and hopes to encourage new energy and involvement in the years ahead. "I'm honored to serve as president for the 2026 Nordic Fest alongside such hardworking and passionate volunteers," Brandt said. "Will we get to see each other at Nordic Fest?" Nordic Fest is an annual three-day summer festival held in Decorah that celebrates community and the area's Scandinavian heritage. The 59th annual Nordic Fest will take place July 23–25, 2026. Organized by a volunteer board, the festival offers food, activities and entertainment for all ages. For more information or to get involved, visit nordicfest.com. Discover what's happening near you! The free DecorahNews.com newsletter brings updates, inspiring stories, and practical tips right to your inbox.