Syttende Mai Celebrations Return to Sons of Norway

Norway's Constitution Day falling on a Sunday meant there were plenty of folks free to celebrate the occasion.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Joyous music filled the gathering space at the Kringen Lodge on May 17th, colloquially known as Syttende Mai.

It’s also known as Constitution Day – and with that document’s signing taking place way back in 1814, Norway’s constitution is the third oldest written constitution still in use.

In Norway, large parades often take place, and the occasion is marked with rather simple fare – which the Sons of Norway like to amp up just a tad.

“The meal, oftentimes, in Norway, is hot dogs, ice cream, and Coke. We do it up a little bit,” said John Andreasen, president of the Kringen Lodge. “Rather than lutefisk on this day, we’ve got salmon, and we’ve got roast beef.”

The Kringen Lodge always schedules a jam-packed day of programming for Syttende Mai, and they’re similarly always heartened by the crowds of people that turn out for the holiday.

“It’s not just those of us that are members of the Sons of Norway, it’s a lot of other Scandinavians and Norwegians that live in the Red River Valley that join us in celebration,” said Andreasen.

This year’s speakers included some big names, including Governor Kelly Armstrong,

“We’re proud to celebrate our heritage and we welcome others to join in celebration – even if they’re not members, they’re welcome to Sons of Norway. We’re always friends,” said Andreasen.

Historical fun fact: World War II ended in Norway nine days before Constitution Day on May 8 1945, and Norway did not establish a separate day for that occasion.

Instead, they sort of folded it into the Syttende Mai celebrations – meaning that the day also reflects the victory over Nazi oppression.