The 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.

Photograph by
Smith Photography

Syttende Mai also features an arts and crafts fair, quilt show, Village Player performances, street dances, Viking encampment, canoe race, 20-mile Run, 17-mile Walk, a sailboat race on Lake Kegonsa, a huge Norwegian parade, and local food stands everywhere! A king and queen, and prince and princess are chosen to reign over the festivities.

2010 Stoughton Norwegian Dancers

2010 Norwegian Dancer

Row 1:  Isabel Stoksad, Lauren Rosowski, Will Sharp, Kyle Gjertson, Matt Geister-Jones, Ern Wolf, Michaela Mntgomery

Row 2:  Katie Mansfield, Olivia Wahlin, Mackenzie Bower, Mike Palmer, Meryl Gartzke, Brianna Bower, Nikki Smedal, Schyler Hanson

Row 3:  Greg Krantz, Ryan Nyhagen, Alex Brooks, Isaac Hale, Grace Goepfert, Ronnie Sime, Skip Gerber, Nick Liggett
 

These are the Rosemaling pieces that are the prizes for the Rosemaling Raffle this year.  The pieces are on display at the Nordic Nook in Stoughton.  Tickets can be purchased from any WI State Rosemaling member or at the Rosemaling Show at Wells Fargo Bank during the Syttende Mai weekend.

Come celebrate Syttende Mai with us in Stoughton on the weekend
when everyone claims to be Norwegian!

Photograph by
Smith Photography

2010 King and Queen - David and Barbara Kalland

2010 Syttende Mai King & Queen
Dave & Barb Kalland

The Syttende Mai Executive Committee has selected Dave & Barb Kalland as this year's King and Queen to reign over the Syttende Mai Festival.

"King" Dave was born and raised in Stoughton.  After graduation from high school, he attended and graduated from the Wisconsin School of Electronics.  He then became employed with GTE.  Dave was drafted into the Army and completed an eleven month tour in Vietnam during 1970-1971.  After his discharge from the Army, Dave returned to GTE; retiring in 1999 with 31 years of service.  Dave now has many part time jobs.  He is currently the president of the Stoughton Historical Society and has been for the past ten years.  He gives tours of the historical museum and train depot to school children and other interested individuals.  Dave is also the walk-on tour guide for bus tours visiting Stoughton.  He gives talks of the Norwegian heritage in Stoughton and the surrounding area.  Dave admits to being ¾ Norwegian and ¼ Dane.

"Queen" Barb was born in Green Bay, WI and grew up on a farm outside Brillion, WI.. She worked for five years after graduation and in 1971 "immigrated" to Stoughton.  Barb was employed by American Family Insurance for 35 years; retiring in December of 2007.

Dave and Barb were married in 1983 and have lived in Stoughton ever since.  Barb is also very active in the Historical Society.  She does on occasion give tours of the historical museum and train depot along with Dave.  She also answers many phone inquiries regarding the Historical Society, genealogy, historic houses, and general Stoughton history.  Barb is ¾ German and ¼ Norwegian.

Congratulations Dave and Barb !!

2010 Syttende Mai
Princess:  Anja Nygaard Prince: Abe Nebel