Overview
Held annually in mid-May to mark Norway’s May 17th Constitution Day, the Syttende Mai festival in Stoughton, Wisconsin, is one of the largest Norwegian heritage celebrations outside of Norway.
Cultural Programming and Exhibits
- Stoughton Norwegian Dancers: High school folk dancers performing traditional Scandinavian routines throughout the weekend.
- Livsreise Heritage Center: Downtown museum featuring historic cultural displays and Norwegian genealogy resources.
- Traditional Arts: Performances by Hardanger fiddle players and a Bunad style show showcasing authentic regional Norwegian folk costumes.
- Theater: Local theater productions staged at the Stoughton Village Players Theater.
Athletics and Main Events
- Road Races and Canoe Race: A long-distance athletic program featuring a 20-mile run, 10-mile run, 17-mile walk, and a youth run, alongside an annual river canoe race.
- Viking Games: A strongman competition featuring heavy-lifting and endurance events.
- Sunday Parade: A grand parade serving as the festival’s primary closing event on Sunday afternoon.
Food and Concessions
Local vendor stands serve traditional Norwegian foods alongside standard festival concessions. Specific traditional items include lefse (potato flatbread), lutefisk (dried whitefish treated with lye), and krumkake (rolled waffle cookies).
