Norskedalen...

This summer weekend’s activity was once again within a half an hour from the Valley located at ‘Norskedalen' which means Valley of the Norwegians although almost all valleys are filled with Norwegians around here !

But this particular valley contains a Norwegian historical farm dedicated to preserving, interpreting and sharing the natural environment and cultural heritage of the area.

When I first moved to this area, I joined Norskedalen as a lifetime member because I feel the work they do is so very important.I have volunteered in my many capacities over the years whether it has been gardening research and

planting heritage plants/ ground beautification/ working shifts in different annual events.
So this weekend was the celebration of the second most important Norwegian holiday, Midsummer Fest which marks a happy day, ‘the full return of the light and also a sad day because the next day we begin the descent into darkness.’
The 29th Midsummer Fest gave visitors an opportunity to tour Period homestead buildings which were filled with settler activities.
Horse drawn carts carried folks on the grounds and kids could take pony rides.
Heritage craft demonstrations included:


rope making, broom making, soapmaking, blacksmithing, carding, spinning, rosemalers and hardanger embroidery.

Baking activities this weekend included butter churning, stroll, krumkake, and waffles and delicious hand-cranked ice cream. Flat bread baking was with Clinton and Beverly Bagstad

who btw also made all the Fest doughnuts.

You could savor delicious a la carte food like Troll Rolls (lefse wraps), varme pølse (sausage wrapped in lefse), strawberry shortcake served by yours truly/ rømmegrøt (cream pudding topped with melted butter and cinnamon and sugar) while listening to locals play folk music/watching folk dancing by the Sons/Daughters of Norway Dance group.

After my shift I also strolled through The 17th annual Lloyd Thrune Woodcarving Show, competition, and sale. Demonstrations were given by the Coulee Region Woodcarvers Club.

There was some beautiful work.

There’s a story I have to share re: those magnificent work horses. Apparently last night they broke through the gate and walked back home. Their owner found them in the barn this morning, 11 miles from Norskedalen. Isn’t that incredible? See even they know, there’s no place like home…