Groups prepare for Destination Stoughton Weekend Since 2011, a group of organizations, businesses and classes that have an emphasis or offerings that help promote Norwegian heritage and culture have organized Destination Stoughton Weekends. Organized by Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge, the groups plan events around a signature event, Norse Afternoon of Fun in this case, to help give people a variety of activities to take in that weekend and not just come for the event. This year’s celebration is February 8-10, 2019. Our “featured” event is the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers- Norse Afternoon of Fun on Sunday February 10th. The performance will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Stoughton High School gymnasium located at 600 Lincoln Avenue, Stoughton WI. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to wear their national costumes to truly make this an international event. Children under the age of 10 who are dressed in their national or Norwegian costume will receive free admission. Bring your children and grandparents to make it a family event. Admission is $5.00 for adults for tickets purchased in advance or $8.00 at the door, Children who are under the age of 14 are $1.00. A bake sale featuring authentic pastries and baked goods will be available for purchase, including lefse prepared by the Stoughton Norwegian Dancer parents! There will also be a raffle drawing that includes 30 great prizes!! Stoughton Norwegian Summit Group members will have information tables that day which will open at 12:30 on Sunday and will be located in the high school hallway area where the other Norse events happen. The groups, businesses and organizations involved in the Stoughton Norwegian Summit group will have information, activities and resources for you to learn more about Norwegian heritage and culture. The groups include the Hardanger Classes taught by Donna Olson, Livsreise- The Norwegian Heritage Center, Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library, and Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge. And also happening that weekend in Stoughton at Livsreise, the Norwegian Heritage Center, includes interpretations of the immigrant journey from Norway, and features the cultural heritage brought to Stoughton along with sharing stories of individual immigrants. They have a special winter exhibit- The Immigrant Trunk.Livsreise is open Friday 9:30-4:30, Saturday 9:30-4:30 and admission is free. On Friday only, the Historic Depot and Museum is open from 9am-4:30pm at the Chamber Office at 532 E. Main Street. A museum is in the building, with original Mandt wagons and other Stoughton historical items on display. It is self-guided and a bit cold in the back- but you’re welcome to stop by when the Chamber office is open. Stoughton Opera House has the Steely Dan Show on Saturday, February 9 at 7:30pm. Tickets $25, call the box office (608 877 4400) or order online at stoughtonoperahouse.com. Downtown stores featuring Norwegian items and products include Cheesers offers about 120 varieties of cheese with approximately 75% of them available for sampling. Nordic Nook features a wide variety of fine Scandinavian gifts, apparel, and other assorted products from the Nordic countries. All Through the House- specialty shop is known for many different types of merchandise, ranging from Norwegian baking equipment, gourmet cookware, foods and kitchen gadgets to personal items. Please contact the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce (email visitorservices@stoughtonwi.com or http://www.stoughtonwi.com/) for hotel and travel information. We encourage you to consider this weekend in your vacation plans. You can also contact Darlene Arneson, Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge, at arnesonfamily5@gmail.com or 608-873-7209 for information. Details on all of the events and activities will be continuously updated on the Chamber website, www.stoughtonwi.com, as well as the Sons of Norway Facebook page: Sons of Norway Stoughton WI.