Norwegian Band – "Arendal Veterankorps" to Visit Stoughton !!
Arendal Veterankorps was founded in 1985 by a number of enthusiasts who had been members of both the School brass band "Arendal Guttemusikkorps" and  "Arendal Ungdomssmusikkorps", a brass band for youth. During this time, almost  25 years, the Band has been conducted by four conductors; Alf Nilsen, Willy Andersen, Rune Larsen and their present, inspiring conductor since 2001, Dagfinn Tynes.
Arendal Veterankorps has fifty members in all ages.  They rehearse every Thursday and like to give concerts in their home town, outdoor concerts in summer-time, or indoor in their Town Hall's great concert hall. Before Christmas and Summer-holiday they visit institutions, homes for old and sick people. They play all kinds of music, Folk songs, marches, classics, Dixie, and hymns.
Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge and the Stoughton Syttende Mai Committee are hosting the band while they are in the Stoughton area. They will be performing on Friday, May 15, at 5:15 PM prior to the Opening Ceremonies on the corner of North Division and Main Streets; Saturday, May 16, at 3:45 PM at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington Street; Sunday, May 17, 10:30 AM, Christ Lutheran Church, 700 CTH B – with music during and after the church service; and the band will ride and perform in the Sunday Parade at 1:30 PM. Support for the Arendal Veterankorps visit to Stoughton has been provided through a Sons of Norway Foundation Heritage and Culture Grant.

For more information, contact Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge President Darlene Arneson at Arneson@chorus.net or 608-873-7209.

New Saturday Event Event – "A Good Old Fashioned Street Dance"
Held at the corner of Main & Division Sts (next to McGlynn Pharmacy) this event has been added to appeal to all ages (families encouraged) Live music will be performed by The Westwind. - Music and dancing will be led by Winston, Larry & Irv.  Polkas, waltzes, mixers & good listening will be available from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday evening..  Whether you choose to dance or just enjoy the music, we hope to have a good, enthusiastic crowd for this new musical event.  Rain location: Community Bldg.

Syttende Mai Commemorative Coin
The commemorative coin this year features two art themes.  One side of the coin honors Edvard Munch, one or Norway's most popular artists.  He is most know for his painting "The Scream".  The other side of the coin features an image of the traditional Norwegian Solje jewelry – which is worn by many here in Stoughton either alone or along with their Norwegian "Bunad" costumes.

Stoughton Opera House Entertainment
We will again offer the Concert of Norwegian Music on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. – with some new, local Stoughton musicians directed by John Beutel.  The Edvard Grieg Male Chorus will perform at noon on the same day – the Grieg group will be singing along with the Cambridge Country Chordsmen (from Cambridge, WI).  We expect the combined choir to be about 60 singers.

Christ Lutheran Church – Norwegian Service & Special Music
Christ Lutheran is the place for Norwegians or Norwegian enthusiast to be on Sunday morning Syttende Mai weekend.  During the worship enjoy a traditional Norwegian Liturgy and hymns – portions of which will be spoken or sung in Norwegian.  The Dane County Grieg Chorus and Adrendal Veterankorps will participate in worship as well.  A special event may take place?!!  Following worship, coffee , beverages and Norwegian treats will be shared in the café and Fellowship Hall.  For those visiting for the weekend, this is a great place to relax before the parade.

Historical Museum Display
The Stoughton Historical Museum will feature a new display this year:  "Stoughton Churches – Then & Now"  There will also be a special display at the train depot (Chamber of Commerce office)  "Vintage Antiques".

Stoughton Village Players Comedy Production
The title of the 2009 comedy production is:  Buccaneers in Bunads or Kjylling av Sjoen (Chickens of the Sea)  Show times are 7:00 & 8:30 on Thursday and Friday; and 2;30, 4;00, 7:00 & 8:30 on Saturday.  Tickets are $10 and are available at the Stoughton pharmacies in Stoughton starting May 1st, on the web www.stoughtonvillageplayers.org, and at the door if available.

New Children's Entertainer @ River Bluff on Saturday
We are excited to have Anita Fortney-Harms as our children's entertainer for the 2009 festival.  Anita has an extended background as a storyteller, writer, and drams workshop coordinator.  She will entertain children/families at the River Bluff Middle School on Saturday @ 2:45 with a program that includes:  Children's storytelling & acting out the different characters of Scandinavia's magical creatures & folks, including trolls and gnomes that will come alive for the children.  Stories offer a chance for the children to get involved in a fun-filled hour. This is a good chance to relax after the youth parade !!