Norway declared independence, 210 years ago on May 17, 1814. Nordics world wide celebrate this special Norwegian day.  

On Syttende Mai (May 17)  The Norwegian royal family is presented on the balcony of the palace in Oslo waving at thousands of children who with their families, line the streets carrying Norwegian flags.

The public is invited to Folden Lutheran Church in rural Vining on May 19 to celebrate by enjoying a Syttende Mai feast of meatballs, mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw as well as flat bread, rommegrot, sweet soup, cookies, cakes and more.  Dinner is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $15 adults, $7 ages 7-12, no charge 6 and under.

A cultural program will follow the meal at 1:30 p.m. “All About the Hardanger Fiddle.” See it, hear it as played by Valerie Thompson and Anders Perrson. Silent auction items are two Norwegian sweaters donated by Barbara Olson.

Folden Lutheran Church is located in Folden Township (Otter Tail County) and was founded by immigrants from Folden municipality in Norway.

The dinner is a long tradition at Folden and in recent years, Leif Erikson Sons of Norway Lodge of Vining has partnered with the church to provide volunteer help as well as the cultural program

The Leif Erikson Sons of Norway Lodge presents monthly Nordic cultural programs for the community. Music, speakers, videos, arts and crafts, foods, dance, workshops  and more from traditions from all the Nordic countries. For more information please call Ann Rasmusson (605) 999-4839.

The Leif Erickson Lodge has over 140 members and enjoys programs most months of the year at the Vining Community Center.