SCANDINAVIAN Archives - KVRR Local News

Syttende Mai Celebrations Return To Kringen Lodge

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.

May 17, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

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…

Everything must go! Online auction begins to liquidate items from the former Norsk Hostfest

April 21, 2026

TJ Nelson,

MINOT, N.D. (KVRR) — Now that Norsk Hostfest is no more, an online liquidation auction is being held for what was North America’s Largest Scandinavian festival. You’ll find everything from commercial kitchen equipment to retail fixtures and furniture to the festive art and cultural artifacts that welcomed guests each year in Minot. McLaughlin Auctioneers is conducting the online-only auction. Bidding…

“Log the Sauna” Returns to Drekker for Entire Month of January

The Scandinavian sauna experience was so popular last year they decided to add more dates this time around.

January 4, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Those looking for an authentic Scandinavian sauna experience now have the entire month of January to get sweaty. Last year, Folkways brought their wood-fired barrel sauna to Drekker for one weekend in February. This time around, due to popular demand, the sauna will be at the taproom for the entire month. Groups of up to six…

Nordic Gala Builds Enthusiasm for Scandinavian Festival

The event featured a silent auction of many Scandinavian nicknacks, plus a traditional Norwegian meal.

April 6, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

Some of the hand-crafted traditional offerings at the Nordic Gala’s silent auction.FARGO, N.D. – It was a Norwegian extravaganza at the Kringen Lodge this Saturday as local groups begin to gear up for this summer’s Scandinavian Festival. The annual Nordic Gala took place in the familiar haunt for the Sons of Norway. The evening kicked off with a social and…

Sauna Experience Heats up Drekker

The traditional wood-burning sauna was available for rent in hour-long slots.

February 16, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. – An extended cold snap like the one we’re going through can make people seek warmth in interesting fashions. Drekker Brewing decided to team up with Folkways and provide a traditional way for folks to get toasty. A classic wood-fired sauna was brought to the Drekker patio for the 15th and the 16th of February. Groups of up…

46th Annual Scandinavian Festival kicks off with first full day of events

June 23, 2023

Site Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – It’s a day some people in our area look forward to each year… A day to celebrate their Nordic Heritage. The Scandinavian Festival is a fun filled time of Nordic food, music, and culture. “Scandinavian Festival is a two-day event. We are celebrating our Nordic heritage with clubs that belong to the Nordic Culture Club…

More Acts Added To Norsk Hostfest as Jay Leno Bows Out

May 10, 2023

TJ Nelson,

MINOT, N.D. (KVRR) — Country and gospel music legends The Oak Ridge Boys are among the final acts announced for this year’s Norsk Hostfest. Others taking the Great Hall stage include Brothers Osborne, Daughtry and Terry Fator. Fator is actually taking Jay Leno’s spot after the comedian had to cancel his entire 2023 nationwide comedy tour due to a conflicting…

Crooked Lane Farm Teaches Holiday Traditions with Lefse-making Classes

"We love using this space as a way for people to come together."

November 6, 2021

Site Staff,

COLFAX, N.D. (KVRR) — Lefse-making season is here, which means Crooked Lane Farm is hosting lefse-making classes. Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread made with potatoes, flour, butter, and milk. This Scandinavian treat is especially popular around Thanksgiving and Christmas. A Colfax farmstead offers several lefse making classes to the public. “Some of the folk classes and traditional things that…

Norsk Hostfest Called Off For A Second Straight Year Due To Pandemic

April 28, 2021

TJ Nelson,

MINOT, N.D. — (AP) The coronavirus pandemic has taken down one of North Dakota’s most popular festivals for a second straight year. The Norsk Hostfest in Minot bills itself as the largest Scandinavian festival in North America. Event officials cited concerns about COVID-19 hurting the tour business and travel, as well as whether participants would be willing to gather in…

Scandinavian and Midwest Viking Festival Kicks Off at Hjemkomst Center

There are activities for people of all ages and all of their senses

June 22, 2018

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MOORHEAD, Minn. — If you want to get a taste of Scandinavian culture without crossing the Atlantic, all you have to do is go to the Hjemkomst Center. The Scandinavian and Midwest Viking Festival will run through Saturday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. One thing Michael Baumgartner, a festival organizer, says people usually get wrong about Scandinavian culture…