Norwegian heritage of many of Stoughton's citizens is celebrated each year as our entire town and thousands of guests observe Syttende Mai. The words "Syttende Mai" are Norwegian for "seventeen May", and we hold the event on the weekend closest to May 17.
On that day in 1814, the Norwegian Constitution was signed, giving Norway independence from its 500 year union with Denmark. Stoughton's Syttende Mai celebration dates back as far as 1868, when Norwegian immigration to this part of Wisconsin was reaching its peak.
Syttende Mai is a very colorful, gala, family-oriented affair with many people wearing authentic Norse costumes. There are folk dancing performances by the world famous Stoughton Norwegian Dancers, exhibits of Norwegian rosemaling (painting) and hardanger (needlework),woodcarving, Norse costume style show, Norwegian church services, smorgasbord of Norwegian foods, a variety of musical performances, and an Ugliest Troll Drawing contest.
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2012 Syttende Mai King & Queen
The Syttende Mai Executive Committtee have selected Mike and Brenda Sherry as this year's Syttende Mai King and Queen.
Wisconsin natives, with Norwegian roots, Mike and Brenda moved to Stoughton in 1972, when Mike, a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin, accepted his first job as a pharmacist at Anderson Pharmacy. Brenda, and RN, left her job at Methodist Hospital in Madison to begin working at The Skaalen Sunset Home. Two years later, Anderson Pharmacy became Sherry Pharmacy. In the 1980's the Sherrys opened Mike's Hallmark Shop, as well as becoming partners in four pharmacies in the other communities. In 1993, they purchased Rose-R-Read in Madison. Brenda was now a part time RN in Madison, as well as managing the retail stores, as Mike was immersed in the pharmacy businesses.
Over the years, they have been involved in numerous civic organizations. Mike, named Citizen of the Year 1989, has served as Syttende Mai co-chariman, on the BOD of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Stoughton Historical Society, President of the Landmarks Commision, President of the Downtown Revitalization Committee, a past member of Jaycees and presently Rotary, as well as various other local committees. Brenda has been involved with the Chamber of Commerce, various Syttende Mai committees, a professtional nursing organization, Jaycettes, New Cetury Club, and the Stoughton Food Pantry. Both are members of Christ Lutheran Church.
Over the last 10 years, the Sherrys have sold their businesses. Sherry Pharmacy is now McGlynn Pharmacy, where Mike works part time. Brenda is retired.
Mike and Brenda have two sons and daughter-in-laws and two grandsons.
Congratulations Mike and Brenda!!
2012 Syttende Mai Prince & Princess
Prince Adam Slagger and Princess Miranda Sullivan
2011-2012
Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers
Come celebrate Syttende Mai with us in Stoughton on the weekend when everyone claims to be Norwegian!
