|
2008 Theme: "United in Competition"
Each year, the Syttende Mai Executive Committee chooses a theme for the Syttende Mai Festival. Since 2008 is an Olympic year, the theme for this year is "United in Competition". Many events throughout the weekend can be competitive in nature for those who want it to be; whether it be a personal best or to just finish!! The Friday night Canoe Race, Saturday's 20 mile run, 17 mile walk, & 2 mile Lil' Run. Rosemaling is judged as well as admired & available for purchase, the Quilt Show offers visitors to vote for their favorite quilt; Hardanger is displayed and admired. The Arts & Crafts fair offers over 80 exhibits of hand made arts and/or crafts. Children can compete in some relay races (typical Syttende Mai activities in Norway) and enjoy storytelling & singing after the Youth Parade on Saturday. Stoughton's Norwegian Dancers exhibit an excellent example of Norwegian heritage and athletic ability with a number of performances throughout the festival weekend, and there is a chance to dance yourself at the Norske Stomp on Saturday night. The Stoughton Wellness Center is hosting a number of competitions during the weekend. Norwegians tend to be competitive in nature and always seem to enjoy a little a bit of fun while participating in various events. Whether it be competitive, creative, artistic, informative, delicious, or just plain fun – we encourage you all to be "United in Competition", and enjoy the 2008 Syttende Mai Festival.
Syttende Mai Commemorative Coin
Since we are paying tribute to the 2008 Olympics, we are also honoring Olympic Medal winners from Stoughton and Norway on the Commemorative coin. One side honors Stoughton's Olympic Medal winners, Russ Hellickson and Andy Rein. Russ was a 1976 silver medalist winner at the Montreal Olympics. Andy won a silver medal at the1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Both competed in wresting. The other side of the coin honors Norway's Bjorn Daehlie who is a nine-time world champion & winner of 12 Olympic medals for cross country skiing.
More Musical Entertainment at the Stoughton Opera House
In addition to the popular Concert of Norwegian Music – Norwegian music of Grieg, Lindeman, & other composers performed this year by Elizabeth Nelson, soprano, Michelle Kaebisch, violin, & the Stoughton Chamber Singers – John Beutel, director – at 11:00 am on Saturday, and an equally crowd pleasing performance by the Edvard Grieg Male Chorus at noon on Saturday, there are a couple of new events this year at the Opera House. The Stark Duo will perform their musical Norwegian performance at 2:00 & 4:30 on Saturday, and then again at 11:00 am on Sunday. Justin Wilder will perform a "Sunday Performance Before the Parade" recital on Sunday at 12:00 noon. The recital will include pieces from Grieg, Handel, Sondheim, and others. Justin will be accompanied by Nancy Linder on piano.
New Location & Time for Opening Ceremonies on Friday Evening
The opening ceremonies will have a new location this year and start one half hour later. The ceremony will take place on the corner of Division and Main Streets (next to McGlynn Pharmacy). At 6:00 p.m., the proclamation will be read by Mayor Helen Johnson. Following is the introduction of the 2008 Syttende Mai King & Queen – Singing of the Norwegian National Anthem and Norwegian music led by John Beutel, Julie Nygaard, David Drukenbrod & Laura Wengler. The 2008 Syttende Mai Prince & Princess and Ugly Troll Contest winners will also be announced. The Stoughton City Band will continue to have their concert at Division Street Park beginning at 6:30 p.m. – at the site of the Canoe Race portage – which takes place at (approx) 7:00 p.m. All are encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremonies and the City Band concert to kick off the festival weekend.
Norwegian Worship Service at the new Christ Lutheran Church
Christ Lutheran church will be having a Norwegian Worship Service at 10:30 am on Sunday, May 18th at their new location, 700 County Hwy. B in Stoughton. They invite all to join in a Norwegian Worship using a traditional Norwegian Liturgy. The Dane County Grieg Chorus will perform as part of the Worship Service. Coffee and Norwegian treats will be shared in fellowship after worship.
Historical Museum Display
The Stoughton Historical Museum will feature a new display this year: "The Hales Department Store." They will also have a special display at the train depot (Chamber of Commerce office): "Vintage Antiques"
Stoughton Village Players Comedy Production
The title of the 2008 production is "Fair Today, Gone Tomorrow (Fest i dag, Vekk i morgen) or Endifice Wrecks. Show times are 7:00 and 8:30 pm on Thursday and Friday, and 2:30, 4:00, 7:00, & 8:30 on Saturday. Tickets are $10 and are available at McGlynn Pharmacy or Thrifty White Pharmacy in Stoughton starting on May 1, on the web @ www.stoughtonvillageplayers.org, and at the door if available.
Children's Activities at City Hall and River Bluff
On Saturday at City Hall and Sunday at the family entertainment location (Division & Main Sts.) children will have an opportunity to choose a new Norwegian name for the weekend and create a special, wearable, wooden name tag. The Skogfjorden Norwegian Language Village is sponsoring this event. On Saturday, Skogfjorden hosts this event along with staff from the Norwegian American Genealogical Center staff, who will have Norwegian Genealogy Resource information again this year. They will be available Saturday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. On Sunday, children will be able to make the special name tags from 11:30 to 1:30 near the family entertainment location at Division & Main Streets (outside, so weather permitting).
Pre-Sunday Parade Features New Family Entertainer
Jason Kollum will present a family variety juggling performance along with balloon twisting, stilt walking & more – on Sunday @ 12:30 p.m. on the corner of Division & Main Streets (next to McGlynn Pharmacy) Free balloon animals will be available along with Norwegian name tags. Visit Jason's website @ www.jasonvarietyshow.com
New Band and Dance Instructor for the Norske Stomp on Saturday Evening
The 7th annual Norske Stomp will feature a new band and dance instructor this year. The "Stomp", which takes place at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Bldg., will feature the "Duck for the Oyster" band with Karen Kaufman, Dance Instruction. This is a participatory traditional dance event that encourages family dancing from 7-8 pm (all ages encouraged) and teen-adult level dancing (middle school age & up encouraged) from 8:00-10:30 p.m. All dances are taught, no partner is necessary. Live music – wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Refreshments are available. Hosted by the Norwegian Dancers Parent Group.
Syttende Mai Scavenger Hunt - Saturday
This is a new family event that is being promoted by the Syttende Mai Executive Committee. The first clue can be picked up at the Syttende Mai Headquarters (Senior Center Annex Bldg.-248 W. Main St.) on Saturday, May 17th, anytime after 11:00 a.m. The first to find the hidden "gnome will win a $50 Stoughton Chamber of Commerce gift certificate and a basket of goodies from local merchants. Join the fun!
Krumkake Demonstrations and Ethel Kvalheim Rosemaling Event
Home Savings Bank, 400 W. Main St., will be hosting krumkake demonstrations (special Norwegian treats) and an Ethel Kvalheim rosemaling display. Stop in on Friday, May 16th from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and on Saturday, May 17th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
Stoughton Wellness Center – Weekend Tournaments
The Stoughton Wellness Center will be hosting a number of events during the festival weekend. On Friday there will be a Co-ed Volleyball Double Elimination tournament, as well as a Dodgeball tournament. On Saturday and Sunday there will be a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. For more information, visit www.seastoughton.com or call
608-205-1732.
|
|
