And So IT Begins

Here in Decorah, the town is getting ready for Nordic Fest. It is quite a celebration of Nordic heritage. And here are just a few of the signs:

Flat bed truck carrying little wooden booths parked on the main street.
Same booths being placed along the street in spots saved by placing 5 gallon buckets in a certain pattern.
Banners of Scandinavian flags hanging across main roads.
Campground is STUFFED
Folks that are "just not from around these parts" window shopping downtown.
Downtown windows decorated for the window display contest.
Scandinavian educators giving life lessons to pre-teen girls at the local pool (first time most of them have seen saggy boobs in the flesh).

I have missed this celebration only one time in all of its 43 years. I have a love/hate relationship with the fest, but mostly I love it. My entire family will be here, there is a silly parade that still gives me goosebumps and it is the only time of the year to eat Rollepolse (cured, peppery rolled beef), Varmepolse (blood sausage rolled in Lefse-potato soft tortilla), and Romegrot (sweet white sauce with melted butter and cinnamon) in one day.

There is a running race-which I have never been up to watch. A canoe race and my favorite-a rock throwing contest that Mr. MnMom won a few years ago. I love the Festical!

Maybe we will see some of you here?