Stoughton
Courier Hub The
Syttende Mai edition
Thursday, May 17, 2018 • Vol. 136, No. 43 • Stoughton, WI • www.unifiednewsgroup.com • $1.25
Syttende Mai welcomes new traditions
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Participants in the Lil’ Syttende Mai Race run toward the finish line during last year’s race. The race returns to its previous route this year after a few years of it being rerouted for construction.
Festival returns despite challenges, turnover
At a glance
AMBER LEVENHAGEN
King and Queen
Unified Newspaper Group
Bob and Jodi Coon
A few new focuses highlight Syttende Mai this year. Stoughton Area Chamber of Commerce director Laura Trotter took over planning the festival after the previous coordinator, Susan Liimatta, left the chamber halfway through the planning process, and despite the turnover, Trotter said the festival is returning in full-force with even more features than last year. “I’ll say that I’m very lucky that I had four years of festival experience beforehand, otherwise it would have been a huge undertaking to handle losing the manager midway,” Trotter said. “I’m feeling a lot more confident, and my temporary help has been amazing. I feel very good about this year.” Part of a revamped drive toward promoting tourism, the chamber revealed a new Syttende Mai website, stoughtonfestivals.com, earlier this year. The goal is to attract people outside of Stoughton to the festival. The website includes information about all of the events planned
Prince and Princess
Sunday parade gets a modern twist AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group
Stoughton resident Jeanne Prueher is like your stereotypical mom – lovely sweaters, seasonal pins, knitting, the whole package. Her favorite musicians are James Taylor, Josh Groban and Mannheim Steamroller. Her alter ego – “Metal Mom” – will make an appearance at the Syttende Mai parade this year, as the inside-joke-gone-viral will be turned larger than life with a 25-foot-tall inflatable replica of Jeanne.
If you go What: Syttende Mai parade When: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday Where: Beginning at Mandt Park heading west Info: stoughtonfestivals.com/ parades Nick Prueher said his mom’s alter ego is the “polar opposite” of how she usually presents herself, so the comedian decided to play it up a little bit this year and signed her up for the Sunday parade. “Norway has a history with heavy metal music, so I figured we could
Courier Hub
make that connection,” he said. “And you can’t just do a little wagon and people handing out candy, you have to go big with it.” Metal Mom, wearing black, perched on the metal throne on a float accompanied by friends and family, set with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade-styled balloon, will be among the bunads and Norwegian Dancers. The float will play metal music, including some from local musicians. The parade will go along its typical route Sunday, starting at 1:30 p.m. at Mandt Park heading west toward Stoughton Plaza. “A couple of my nieces have agreed to be my entourage, they’re
Turn to Parade/Page 12
Festival dates Friday-Sunday, May 18-20 On the web stoughtonfestivals.com throughout the weekend, as well as shuttle locations, lodging, volunteer information and a little bit about Stoughton’s history with the festival. A new event at the Chorus Public House is one of the biggest differences this year. The Syttende Mai races on Saturday will be returning to the original route after a few years of construction, and some new beer choices from Wisconsin Brewing Company
Turn to Festival/Page 15
Inside Meet the royalty
Livsreise exhibits Page 9
Page 2 Norwegian Dancer performances Page 5 Stoughton Village Players return
Race the Yahara Page 10 Art appreciation at Chorus Public House Page 11
Page 6 Races return to old routes
Sons of Norway honors traditions
Page 7
Page 14
Experience Our Annual Syttende Mai Cheese Tasting! Saturday, May 19, 1-3pm • Sunday, May 20, 11am-1:30pm
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‘Metal Mom’ brings Norwegian musical tradition to Stoughton
Hunter Johnson and Jordyn Bradford
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May 17, 2018
Syttende Mai
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Coons to serve as Syttende Mai Royalty AMBER LEVENHAGEN wUnified Newspaper Group
Jodi and Bob Coon have had a busy few weeks. The couple will have attended dozens of events– including their son’s wedding – leading up to the Syttende Mai opening ceremonies, where they will be introduced as the 2018 King and Queen. Known for their work as the owners of the Stoughton Culvers, Jodi and Bob were selected to be the Syttende Mai royalty last September, but had to keep the secret until the announcement at Norse Afternoon of Fun in February. “We didn’t tell our kids, we didn’t tell my parents, it was hard,” Jodi said. “We were with friends in January and they were making comments wondering about who is the King and Queen and we just sat there like, ‘Oh hmm I don’t know.’” They begin their festivities with a visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol before their Syttende Mai debut May 18. They have a tight schedule throughout the festival, as they will attend more than 40 events, beginning with the opening ceremony on Friday and concluding with the final Norwegian Dancers performance on Sunday.
Wearing her heritage After accepting the title of King and Queen, the couple began researching Jodi’s heritage to find the right bunad for her to wear during the Syttende Mai festivities. Jodi said they had to be ultra secretive while researching her lineage. “ T h ey s a i d d o n ’t g o to the library and start researching bunads because there could be people at the library that were watching you go to the bunad books, and don’t go down to the Norwegian Culture Center to investigate where your family came from, because somebody else could be there watching to see who is investigating their family roots,” she explained. “So I said ‘Oh my gosh, we just entered the witness protection program.’” She said they met with Livsreise manager Marg Listug at night, to avoid people seeing them during the day. Listug, after being
Photo by Smith Photography
given permission to know “Stoughton’s best kept secret,” helped research which bunad would be best for Jodi. Bunads are the national costume for Norway, worn by men and women, and the different colors and designs of each bunad are specific to certain areas of Norway. Because it is region specific, there are hundreds of different styles, typically passed down among family members. Both Jodi’s and Bob’s bunads represent her heritage. Her mother’s family came from the Telemark region of Norway while her dad’s family came from Ovre Ardal, located in central Norway. She said she has always claimed to be 100 percent Norwegian, until she was told by a family member that it’s not entirely true. “We’re doing a DNA test because I want to find for sure,” she said. “I said that must be just my pinky finger.” Bob, on the other hand, calls himself a “mutt,” with no known Norwegian ancestry. “I probably have your pinky” Bob told her with a smile. Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber.levenhagen@ wcinet.com.
About the King and Queen Bob and Jodi Coon started dating in 1980 and were married four years later at Covenant Lutheran Church, where they are both still active members. They have two children, Andrew (AJ) and Bradley, and four grandchildren. Bob’s first job was delivering prescriptions for Sherry Pharmacy. He worked part-time as a bartender at the Norse Chalet. He started working in the tobacco fields in high school and “finally gave up that back-breaking, blister-causing job” three years ago. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he graduated with a degree in marketing. Jodi’s first job was at Skaalen Nursing and Rehab Center. She worked as a waitress at Sunnyside Resort, which holds a particularly special memory: It’s where Bob proposed to her after an employee Christmas party. She graduated from Madison Business College as an executive secretary. They moved to the Sauk City area after their wedding, but moved back to the Stoughton area after becoming partners with Ron and Barb Mallon in the Culver’s in McFarland in 1993. They owned that location for several years before deciding to sell that location and open their own in 2001.
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Bob and Jodi Coon will serve as the 2018 Syttende Mai King and Queen.
Of all of the events, Bob said he is most excited about being part of the parade. “I used to go to the parade all the time, I like to see all of the people, so being in it and being in the spotlight will be different than watching it ourselves,” he said.
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May 17, 2018
Syttende Mai
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Friday, May 18
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rosemaling exhibit and sale, Fire Station training room, 401 E. Main St. • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hardanger embroidery exhibit and demo, Administration Building, 320 North St. • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Quilt show, Administration Building, 320 North St. • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Livsreise open, 277 W. Main St. • 1-5 p.m., Stoughton Historical Museum, “Stoughton’s Historic Homes,” 324 S. Page St. • 5-10 p.m., Craft beer and music tent open (beer sales until 9:30 p.m.), Kegonsa Plaza parking lot • 6-6:30 p.m., Opening ceremonies, Festival Tent, Kegonsa Plaza parking lot • 6 p.m., Viking Duck Race, Division Street Park, 110 N. Division St. • 6:30 p.m., Canoe Race Portage, Division Street Park, 110 N. Division St. • 6:30 p.m., Stoughton City Band concert, Division Street Park, 110 N. Division St. • 7 p.m., Stoughton Village Players performance of “Lena Takes the Cake,” ($12) SVP theater, 255 E. Main St. • 7-9 p.m., Youth event, Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot (southwest quadrant), • 7-10 p.m., Stone Barone and the Madtones performance, Entertainment Tent, Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot, • 8 p.m., Wisconsin Brewing Company special beer tapping, Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot, • 8:30 p.m., Stoughton Village Players performance of “Lena Takes the Cake,” ($12) SVP theater, 255 E. Main St.
Saturday, May 19
• 6 a.m., Syttende Mai 17-mile walk start, finish at Mandt Park • 7:30 a.m., Syttende Mai 20-mile run start, finish at Mandt Park • 7:45 a.m., Lil’ Syttende Mai community run, Fox Prairie School, 1601 W. South St. • 8 a.m., Syttende Mai 10-mile run start, finish at Mandt Park • 9-11 a.m., Sami bracelet demonstration, Chorus Public House, 154 W. Main St. • 9-11 a.m., Rosemaling folk art painting demonstration, Chorus Public House, 154 W. Main St. • 9-11 a.m., Hardanger embroidery display demonstration, Chorus Public House, 154 W. Main St. • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rosemaling exhibit and sale, Fire station training room • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hardanger embroidery exhibit and demonstration, Administration building, 320 North St. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Norwegian knitting and hand stitching, Chorus Public House, 154 W. Main St. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aiglets and Viking style jewelry, Chorus Public House, 154 W. Main St. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Celtic and Viking knot work in art and craft, Chorus Public House, 154 W. Main St. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Krokbragd weaving demonstration, Chorus Public House, 154 W. Main St. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Inflatable play structures, River Bluff Middle School grounds, 235 N. Forrest St. • 9-10 a.m., Opera House open for tours, 3 81 E. Main St. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Quilt show, Administration building, 320 North St. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Norwegian Dancer parents luncheon, River Bluff Middle School, 235 N. Forrest St. • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Shuttle bus parking, Stoughton High School, 6 00 Lincoln Ave. • 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Livsreise open, 277 W. Main St. • 10-10:45 a.m., Sid Boersma and Hardanger Friends, Local folk music favorites, Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St. • 10 a.m. to noon, Stamp cancellation, Post Office, 246 E. Main St. • 10 a.m. to noon, Stoughton Depot open house, 532 E. Main St. • 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Fykerud’n Spelemannslag hardanger fiddle group, Chorus Public House, 532 E. Main St. • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stoughton His-
torical Museum “Stoughton’s Historic Homes,” 324 S. Page St. • 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Arts and crafts fair, River Bluff Middle School, 235 N. Forrest St. • 10 a.m. to noon, Norwegian Buhund dogs and Norsk Jærhøn chickens, River Bluff Middle School, 235 N. Forrest St. • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Viking Games Strongman competition, Bleacher viewing at Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot • 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Craft beer and music tent (beer sales until 9:30 p.m.), Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot • 11:30 a.m., Edvard Grieg Chorus, Stoughton Opera House, 3 81 E. Main St. • Noon to 2 p.m., Fab Lab open house, Stoughton High School, 6 00 Lincoln Ave. • 12:30-1:30 p.m., Opera House open for tours, 381 E. Main St. • 1 p.m., Wisconsin Brewing Company Re:Fresh Radler special tapping, Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot • 1:15 p.m., Children’s Parade, Main Street • 1:30-3:30 p.m., Adreas Transo, musician, Chorus Public house, 154 W. Main St. • 2 p.m., Norwegian Dancer street performance, Festival Tent, Division Street • 2-4 p.m., Norwegian Buhund dogs
and Norsk Jærhøn chickens, River Bluff Middle School, 2 35 N. Forrest St. • 2:30 p.m., Norse costume style show, First Lutheran Church, 3 10 E. Washington St. • 2:30 p.m., Stoughton Village Players performance of “Lena Takes the Cake,” ($12) SVP theater, 255 E. Main St. • 3-5 p.m., The Old Tin Can String Band performance, Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot, • 3:30 p.m., “The Yellow Boat” presented by the Stoughton Center for the Performing Arts ($12), Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St. • 3:45 p.m., Norwegian dancer performance, Community Building, 320 North St. • 4 p.m., Stoughton Village Players performance of “Lena Takes the Cake,” ($12) SVP theater, 255 E. Main St. • 5:30 p.m., Norwegian dancer and alumni performance, Community Building, 3 20 North St. • 6 p.m. Norwegian style bingo, Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge, 317 S. Page St. • 6-10 p.m., Piano Fondue dueling pianos live performance, Craft beer and music tent • 7 p.m., Stoughton Village Players performance of “Lena Takes the Cake,” ($12) SVP theater, 255 E. Main St.
Sunday, May 20
• 9 a.m. to noon, Hardanger embroi-
dery exhibit and demonstration, Administration building, 320 North St. • 9 a.m. to noon, Quilt show, Administration building, 320 North St. • 9 a.m. to noon, Rosemaling exhibit and sale, Fire station training room • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Inflatable play structures, River Bluff Middle School grounds, 235 N. Forrest St. • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Arts and crafts fair, River Bluff Middle School •10 a.m. to noon, Livsreise open, 277 W. Main St. • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Shuttle bus parking, Stoughton High School, 6 00 Lincoln Ave. • 10:30 a.m., Norwegian church service with Edvard Grieg Chorus performance, Christ Lutheran church, 700 Hwy. B • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Stoughton Historical Museum, “Stoughton’s Historic Homes,” 324 S. Page St. • Noon to 3:30 p.m., Handicapped accessible parade viewing, Livsreise parking lot, 277 W. Main St. • 1:30 p.m., Norwegian parade, Main St. • 3-5 p.m., Stoughton Historical Museum, “Stoughton’s Historic Homes,” 324 S. Page St. • 3:45 p.m., Norwegian Dancer performance, Community Building, 320 North St.
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Syttende Mai
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2018 Booster Button Each year, the Syttende Mai Executive Committee holds a Booster Button design contest and selects a final design from the contest entries. A design by Stoughton resident Kaia Sunne will be featured on this year’s booster button. Sunne also designed the 2016 button. The button can be purchased for $5 and is required for entry to most festival events. Booster buttons can be purchased at the chamber, the festival headquarters tent or
at button booths located at South Division Street, Stoughton Opera House, corner of East Main and South Forrest streets, South Division and Main Street, River Bluff Middle School and Division Street Park. Buttons will be available at the entrance to these festival locations: Chorus Public House, Community Building and School Administration Building. Children 6 and under will be admitted to most festival events for free.
2018 Commemorative Coin Each year, the Syttende Mai cultural committee issues a collectible, commemorative coin as a keepsake. The coins serve as a remembrance of the festival, to honor both Stoughton’s and Norway’s heritage with culturally significant images on either side of the coin. This year’s coin displays the Williams Carriage House on the Stoughton side, highlighting the architecture and structure designed by John Williams in 1880. The Victorian-style Carriage House was built with louvered and diamond-shaped windows, elegant doors handcrafted with diagonally laid wood and a second floor
What is Syttende Mai? Syttende Mai, pronounced “soot-in-demy,” means the 17th of May in Norwegian and is comparable to America’s Fourth of July independence holiday. The American Syttende Mai celebration dates back as far as 1868, when Norwegian immigration to this part of Wisconsin reached its highest percentage. But it wasn’t until about 20 years ago – when the City of Stoughton Common Council decided to revive Syttende Mai as a city-wide festival – that the large-scale celebrations began. Syttende Mai was seen as a way to celebrate Stoughton’s Norwegian heritage and has become a yearly event. The Constitution of Norway was enacted by the National Assembly at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814, and Norway was given independence from its 500-year union with Denmark, according to the site stoughtonwipages.com. The community of Stoughton is home to a large population of Norwegians, many of whose ancestors traveled to the area beginning in the late 1870s to work in the tobacco houses and at the wagon companies. By
the 1900s, Stoughton was one of the most Norwegian towns in the country, with over 75 percent of the town’s citizens being of Norwegian descent. Although the percentage of Norwegians in Stoughton is not as high today, the pride is still prevalent. During Syttende Mai weekend, attendees will experience Norwegian-flavored demonstrations, exhibits, food and activities. Traditional events include a festive feast featuring lefse, Norwegian meatballs and more. Each year, nearly 6,000 sheets of lefse are consumed at the festival. Many attendees and volunteers dress in bunads, which are the formal or festive Norwegian costumes made of wool or brocade in various styles representing different areas of the country. This includes the Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers, a group of students that perform Norwegian folk dancing throughout the weekend. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been attending for decades, Syttende Mai is a time to celebrate – and explore – the Norwegian culture.
that hung from thick steel rods that created an open floor plan. The house had three sections and housed horse and carriages until the early 1900s. The Norwegian side depicts a Norwegian cariole – a two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage – suited for a single rider, which illustrates Norway’s land and culture. The carriole was a popular and inexpensive way to travel between the country farms and cities of Norway in the early 1900s. This year’s limited-edition coin is $12. They are available for purchase at the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce and select retailers throughout the city.
Celebrate Syttende Mai with All Day Specials Exclusively this Saturday & Sunday! $2.25 Regular $2.25 Medium Cheese Curds Coolers or Smoothies $2.25 Single $1.00 Medium Drinks Deluxe
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The Stoughton U.S. Post Office, 246 E. Main St., also makes a special Syttende Mai stamp cancellation. Stamp cancellations are post markings used to
prevent stamps from being reused. They are used each year during the festival and for 30 days following. People can take their mail to the post office during the
festival from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday to get their mail stamped with this special cancellation.
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May 17, 2018
Syttende Mai
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Norwegian Dancers headline five performances KIMBERLY WETHAL
Norwegian Dancers schedule
Unified Newspaper Group
Wednesday, May 16
Noon: Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E. Main St.
Saturday, May 19
2 p.m.: Festival tent, corner of Main and South Division streets 3:45 and 5:30 p.m.: Community Building, 320 North St.
Sunday, May 20
1:30 p.m.: Parade route starting at Mandt Park on Fourth Street up to westbound Main Street and ending at Stoughton Plaza 3:45 p.m.: Community Building, 320 North St.
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Miranda Heimsoth smiles as she dances during the last Norwegian Dancer performance of Syttende Mai 2017. On Saturday, May 19, the dancers will perform three times – the first at 2 p.m. just north of the Festival Tent at the corner of South Division and Main streets, a move from their location in previous
years at the Kegonsa Plaza will be the second and third at 3:45 and 5:30 p.m. at the Community Building, 320 North St. The dancers will participate in the annual Sunday parade at 1:30 p.m. and
will then cap off the weekend with a final performance at 3:45 p.m. at the Community Building. “Syttende Mai is the culmination of the work we start in August,” Heimsoth said. “By Syttende Mai,
On the web
that’s when the dancers are For more information about the usually looking their very Stoughton High School Norwegian best. It’s an exciting week- Dancers, visit: end.” StoughtonNorwegian Dancers.com Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com.
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The Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers will have a busy Syttende Mai weekend. Over a span of five days, the dancers will be doing six performances to celebrate the Norwegian heritage weekend. “Well, after spring break it’ll be a piece of cake,” director Staci Heimsoth said. “Over spring break we did 13 performances over six days.” The dances at each performance are varied each year, Heimsoth said. The dancers have a total of 48 dances – so if someone attended the final Sunday performance last year, they’ll see a different set of dances this year at the same performance time. “I make sure I vary it so you’re not always seeing the same dances,” Heimsoth said. “It’s the same dances we’ve been doing all year, but every time you see the dancers, you’re bound to see a different dance than what you’ve seen before.” The first performance of the weekend will occur at noon Wednesday, May 16, at the Wisconsin State Capitol Building, 2 E. Main St., Madison. The dancers will perform near the entrance closest to King Street.
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May 17, 2018
Syttende Mai
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Village Players’ new show a recipe for silliness Each Syttende Mai, the Stoughton Village Players explore new ways a small Wisconsin town can survive with so many “lessthan-genius” townspeople. This year’s production is no exception. “Lena Takes the Cake,” also known as “Man with the Draggin’ Tattoo,” starts with an unusual funeral and ends with a disastrous bake-off as Ole (Merlin Luschen), Lena (Arlene Minor) and friends make one bad decision after another. The production was written by Tony Hill, Jeff Horton, Gary Smithback and Dan Prueher. Ole’s Aunt Hildur used the same award-winning recipe for years but, now that she has passed, some of the ladies in town (Kathy Horton, Georgean Pentel-Nicholson, Bethany Pluymers) want to find it and use it for themselves. Their plans assume that Ole may be the source and their extra attention to markings on his body is misinterpreted by their husbands (Gary Smithback, Warren Kmiec, Leo Endres). The resulting confusion is observed and further complicated by previous and new mayors (Carol Roy, Trygve Haglund), bu s i n e s s ow n e r s ( Pa u l Shableski, Carol Gunnelson) and our ace local investigative reporting staff (Amelia Rhinerson, Dave Conour, Tracy Markle). Other cast members that add to this ridiculous view of Stoughton and its inhabitants are Jonathon Conour, Sakai Wenc, Anar Wenc and Anneka Haglund. Directed by Hill and Smithback (with a set by Jeff Horton and Margaret Jamison), the show has all of the parts that audiences have come to love: horrible puns and wordplay, creative set pieces, cool technical and visual elements and, most of all, characters that try to do the right thing but do it in all the wrong way… with Norwegian-ish accents that defy description. The shows are at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday
Photos submitted
From left, Kathy Horton, Georgean Pentel-Nicholson, Merlin Luschen and Behtany Pluymers.
If You Go What: Stoughton Village Players present “Lena Takes the Cake” When: 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Stoughton Village Players theater, 255 E. Main St. Tickets: $13 Info: Stoughton villageplayers.org
and Friday, and 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. Ti c k e t s a r e $ 1 3 a n d a va i l a b l e a t M c G l y n n Pharmacy and StoughtonVillagePlayers.org. – Submitted by Dan Prueher
Send it in! If you have a photo of a Syttende Mai event you think the community might be interested in, send it to us and we’ll use it if we can. Please include contact information, what’s happening in the photo and the names of people pictured. You can submit it on ConnectStoughton.com, email to editor Jim Ferolie at stoughtoneditor@wcinet.com. From left, Warren Kmiec, Leo Endres, Amelia Rhynerson and Gary Smithback.
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May 17, 2018
Syttende Mai
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‘Art in living action’
KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
When planning Syttende Mai’s newest event, organizer Sylvia Hergenroether-Lawrence said it was about “pooling community knowledge.” That event – the Interactive Scandinavian Arts, Crafts and Music – seeks to take that pooled knowledge and spread it. The interactive event will feature demonstrations on Acanthus- and Vikingstyle carvings, aiglet and Viking-style jewelry, Hardanger fiddle and embroidery, knitting, rosemaling, weaving and Sami bracelet making. The Acanthus- and Viking-style carving will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Chorus Public House, 154 W. Main St. Don Rorvig will be demonstrating the craving styles that are native to Norway. Often incorrectly attributed to be borrowed from the Celtics, the styles of carving predate the Viking Age from 795-1100 A.D., according to the Syttende Mai festival website. The carvings can be found on anything that can be carved – eating utensils, beds and building architecture. Artist Jerry Loosehlm will be demonstrating the practice of making historic Viking-style jewelry pieces and aiglets, the metal portion at the end of shoelaces. His demonstration will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ingris Franses Stark will
demonstrate how to create interwoven designs and knot work used by Norse Vikings during the interactive event. Donna M. Olson will demonstrate hardanger embroidery, a geometric style of white or off-white embroidery that is often used to decorate bunads, from 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Sarah Bukrey, a fiber weaving artist, will demonstrate Krokbragd weaving, a traditional tapestry weaving style that makes a d e n s e , h e av y fa b r i c . Bukrey will be demonstrating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Norway native Ann Jorunn is coming from Lillesand to demonstrate traditional knitting and hand-stitching styles and patterns that she learned at the age of 5 and 6. She’ll be demonstrating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. From 9-11 a.m., Nancy Odalen will demonstrate the Ryfylke style of rosemaling and share finished pieces of her own. Her style uses the colors that are found on the western coast of Norway where her ancestors are from. During the same time, artist Sandy Fleming will demonstrate Sami bracelets made from pewter, reindeer leather and antler buttons. Hergenroether-Lawrence said she hopes the demonstrations will encourage people to learn the crafts and allow people to network with current artists. “I hope this opens up doors and gives people the opportunity to meet artists,” she said.“I’m really excited to see art in living action.” Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com.
Schedule of events 9-11 a.m.: Sami Bracelet demonstration 9-11 a.m.: Rosemaling folk art painting demonstration 9-11 a.m.: Hardanger embroidery display and demonstration 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Acanthus- and Viking-style carving demonstration 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Viking-style jewelry and aiglet demonstration 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Celtic and Viking knot work in art and craft 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Krokbragd weaving demonstration 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Norwegian knitting and hand-stitching demonstration
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Photos by Kimberly Wethal
Participants in the 2017 Lil’ Syttende Mai Race make their way toward the finish line.
Tradition returns Saturday Race routes default to normal with no construction detours KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
The Saturday morning runs and walk will be returning to tradition – well, mostly. Jim McNulty, who coordinates the races with his wife, Kim, said that a lack of construction work like there has been in previous years will allow the races to return to their normal courses. The one exception is the starting location of the 17-mile walk – the walk had previously started at Badger Bowl, but with the business no longer operating, the race will start across the street at Summit Credit Union, 2424 Rimrock Road, Madison. “It’ll just be a little change,” Jim said. Kim added that it’s nice for the people who lived along the traditional race route who would go out in their front yard and cheer the racers on. When the runners wouldn’t go by their homes like in previous years, residents along the old routes would call up the McNulty’s and tell them how much they missed seeing the racers ago by. To an extent, Kim said, the runners feel the same way. “ I t ’s n i c e w h e n y o u
If You Go What: Syttende Mai 20-mile run When: 7:30 a.m. start time Saturday Where: Capitol Square, Madison, to Mandt Park haven’t seen another person in three miles, people are out in their front lawns cheering you on,” Kim said. All four races will end at the same place: the entrance to Mandt Park on Fourth Street. The 20-mile run will b eg i n o n t h e C a p i t o l Square in Madison with a start time of 7:30 a.m. The 10-mile run will start at 8 a.m. on Sand Hill Road in the Town of Dunn. The walk is a “rolling start,” meaning participants can start anytime between 6-7 a.m., and the Lil’ Syttende Mai Run will start at 7:45 a.m. at Fox Prairie Elementary School. The cold start to spring slowed down the rate of participants, Jim said, because they were unable to get out and train, but the number of registrations has caught up in the past weeks. Registration for all four races is still open through the day of and can be found Max Fergus nears the finish line during last year’s 10-mile at stoughtonfestivals.com/ run. His mother, Bev Fergus, who was announcing the race finishers, joked to him as he ran across the finish line that athletic-competitions. he was making the race look “difficult,” after a common line Email reporter Kimber- she told other race finishers was that they made the feat of ly Wethal at kimberly. running the race look easy. wethal@wcinet.com.
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New event features traditional Norwegian crafts, art
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May 17, 2018
Syttende Mai
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Food stands open through weekend Restaurants, organizations offer sit down meals
Nonprofits supported by food sales
AMBER LEVENHAGEN
All people that sell food at the festival must be either a nonprofit group or, if they’re commercial, profit sharing with local nonprofit groups. Groups supported include Buddy of Mine, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Friends of the Stoughton Library, First Lutheran Church, SHS Key Club, Norwegian Dancer Parents, Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge, Stoughton Area Youth Soccer Association, Stoughton FFA Alumni, Stoughton Lions Club, Stoughton Rotary Club, Stoughton Youth Hockey and World of Change Leaders.
Unified Newspaper Group
Food stands that support Stoughton area nonprofit groups will be open throughout the weekend. Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. In addition to the regular restaurant service at Viking Brew Pub, Fosdal Home Bakery and Nauti Norske, five sit down meals will benefit local organizations. The Norwegian Dancer Parents Luncheon will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until food is sold out, Saturday and Sunday, at River Bluff Middle School. It will also have a food stand at Main and South Division streets open throughout the weekend. The Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge, 317 S. Page St., will have its luncheon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The Stoughton American Legion Post 59
Photo by Amber Levenhagen
Sunday breakfast will be from 7:30-11:30 a.m. at the post, 803 N. Page St. For a complete list of offerings, visit stoughtonfestivals.com/food-anddrink.
Kingluv Tacos
City band director Roger Gohlke leads the band in a performance before the start of the canoe race last year.
stationed at the intersection of South Division and West Jefferson Streets. The truck will offer Korean short rib taco, Puerto Rican pulled pork taco, ginger garlic chicken taco, blackbean and sweet potato taco, standard beef-lettuce-tomat o - c h e e s e t a c o , M ex i can-style corn in a cup and chips with salsa. All tacos can be converted into a “walking taco.” It will also offer Pepsi, lemonade or limeade and water.
Sounds of Syttende Mai Mix of traditional, popular music on tap for weekend
For the first time at Syttende Mai, Kingluv Tacos will be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. The truck is partnered with Buddy of Mine, a local animal rescue nonContact Amber Levenhaprofit. T h e t r u c k w i l l b e gen at amber.levenhagen@ wcinet.com.
SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group
While Syttende Mai itself centers around Norwegian heritage, the music at the festival offers a wider variety of fare, whether people are interested in learning about traditional Norski notes, or just hearing a familiar favorite tune. This year’s celebration offers some favorites and some new acts that are sure to get people’s toes tapping, no matter what they’re wearing.
Norwegian food • Kjøttkake (key-ut kah KEE): Norway’s answer to Swedish meatballs • Krumakake (CROOM-kak-AY): a waffle cookie like an ice cream cone • Lapskaus (Lops-COWS): a thick stew with meat, potatoes and root vegetables • Lefse (Lef-suh): a traditional soft flatbread made from potatoes and flour • Lutefisk (LOO-tuh-fisk): dried cod, tenderized in lye, rinsed and cooked • Risengryn Grod (REE-sen-grins GRUHT): rice pudding • Riskrem (REES-krehm): leftover risengryn grod mixed with whipped cream • Rømmegrøt (rum EE groot): sweet porridge made with sour cream • Rutabaga soup: hearty soup from a hearty root vegetable • Sot suppe (SEWT SOO-puh): a sweet soup made from dried fruits and tapioca • Varme Pølse (VARM - uh PULL-se): Hot dogs served Norwegian style, wrapped in lefse
Craft Beer and Music Tent The music tent, located on South Division Street south of Main Street, will be a center of activity throughout the weekend. It starts Friday from 7-10 p.m with Stone Barone and the Madtones, a Madison-based, 10-member ensemble that plays funk, R&B, soul, Motown, pop and contemporary jazz. Saturday, The Old Tin Can String Band plays classic and contemporary bluegrass, and old-timey and Celtic songs, with a few originals, from 3-5 p.m. Members are Chris Powers (mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, guitar), Shauncey Ali (a fiddle phenom who won the 2016 Rocky Grass fiddle competition), Pat Spaay (guitar and banjo) and Bruce Anderson (upright bass), a lifelong Stoughton resident. Saturday from 6-10 p.m., “Piano Fondue” will entertain the crowds with a f u l l - p r o d u c t i o n s h o w, including lights, sound, and baby grand pianos. Get your song requests ready.
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Stoughton Opera House A Syttende Mai tradition is Sid Boersma demonstrating the sounds of the Hardanger Fiddle, known as the “Fiddle of Norway,” at the
opera house, 381 Main St. He will be performing from 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday, May 19. Boersma has played the instrument for many years, and has taught middle and high school students as well. He told the Hub last week his fiddle is about 15 years old and has nine strings, although some have only eight. Boersma explained how the fiddle’s haunting sounds are created. “The understrings are ‘sympathetic’ as they ring while the top four are being played, making for a truly beautiful full sound,” he said. At 11:30 a.m. Saturday, the Edvard Grieg Chorus of Madison (which takes its name from the famous Norwegian composer) will perform some of Grieg’s compositions. The chorus was founded in 1925 and was originally known as the Grieg Mannskor, or Grieg Men’s Chorus. While Norwegian songs are the primary focus of the Chorus, sacred and secular songs are included in its repertoire. The Opera House is open for tours on Saturday, May 19 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. except during performances.
Stoughton City Band Another Syttende Mai tradition is the performance of the Stoughton City Band, which will play Friday night from 6:30 until around 7:15 p.m. at the Division Street Park. Roger Gohlke, who has led the band for the past 10 years, told the Hub the 45-minute concert starts just before the annual canoe race, and finishes when the racers are done portaging their canoes. “We’ve done it every year probably 20 years,” he said. The band, which has around 30 members, plays “a little bit of this and a little bit of that,” Gohlke said, including popular tunes, traditional marches and “some typical band music.” The band will also have a float during Sunday’s parade.
Beer and food tent Friday
• 7-10 p.m., Stone Barone and the Madtones performance, Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot
Saturday
• 3-5 p.m., The Old Tin Can String Band performance, Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot • 6-10 p.m., Piano Fondue dueling pianos live performance, Kegonsa Plaza Parking Lot
Opera House Saturday
• 10-10:45 a.m., Sid Boersma and Hardanger Friends, Local folk music favorites, Stoughton Opera House • 11:30 a.m., Edvard Grieg Chorus, Stoughton Opera House
Division Street Park Friday
• 6:30 p.m., Stoughton City Band concert, Division Street Park, 110 N. Division St.
Christ Lutheran Sunday
• 10:30 a.m., Norwegian church service with Edvard Grieg Chorus performance, Christ Lutheran church, 700 Hwy. B “We usually do a variety of tunes,” he said.
Christ Lutheran Church Once again, Christ Lutheran Church will feature the Edvard Grieg Chorus and Norwegian folk songs as part of pre-service music for the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, May 20. The Rev. Emily Lawrence Meyer will lead the service with the Norwegian liturgy as well as preaching, church member Linda Kunz told the Hub. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.dela ruelle@wcinet.com.
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May 17, 2018
Syttende Mai
9
Syttende Mai parking locations
Suttle locations
Drivers are encouraged to park at the Stoughton High School lot and use the shuttle bus available for free. The bus may be used without a Booster Button at the SHS lot, but a button must be presented in order to be picked up from pickup points at downtown locations. On-street parking is available for a two-hour limit on Main Street and adjacent side streets. Some parking lots are also available but rules on posted signs will be enforced. North side of Main Street • Senior center parking lot: enter from South Page Street • West Washington Street public lot: enter from South
Continuous shuttle stops every 20 to 30 minutes between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free parking is located at Stoughton High School, 600 Lincoln Ave. The shuttle makes a continuous loop from the high school to various downtown stops. • High school, 600 Lincoln Ave. • Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge, 317 S. Page St. • Fire department, 401 E. Main St. • 304 S. Fourth St., near the corner of East Main St. • River Bluff Middle School, corner of North and South Forrest streets • West Washington Street near South Division Street
Water Street, West Washington Street or South Division Street • Fourth and East Main Street public parking: enter on South Fourth Street or East Main Street • Disabled parking- City Hall parking lot at 381 E. Main St. The festival shuttle stops at this location on Saturday and Sunday approximately every 20 to 30 minutes South side of Main Street • Library lot- enter from South Fourth Street, adjacent to the Stoughton Public Library • Jefferson Street- 425 E. Jefferson St., at the corner of 6th Street.
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May 17, 2018
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File photo by Amber Levenhagen
The rainy weather throughout the weekend brought almost 1,000 visitors to Livsreise throughout Syttende Mai weekend 2017.
Livsreise showcases heritage ALEXANDER CRAMER Unified Newspaper Group
Livsreise will hold special hours during Syttende Mai and have an item of historical significance on display to celebrate the festivities. The Norwegian Heritage Center, 277 W. Main St., will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 18, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19, and 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 20. Marg Listug, who manages Livsreise, says she is particularly excited to display Hans Fykerud’s fiddle case, which was donated to Livsreise and will be shown for the first time during Syttende Mai. The fiddle was taken by the Nazis when Fykerud was attempting to board a ship to leave Norway in 1942. Its “very ornate, carved case” will be on
If You Go What: Syttende Mai celebration at Livsreise When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 18, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 20 Where: Livsreise, 277 W. Main St. Info: livsreise.org display all weekend at Livsreise, Listug said. Fykerud lived in Stoughton in the early 19th century and was part of a world-famous Norwegian fiddling family. He ran The Fykerud Saloon, which is the present-day Never Mind Saloon. The heritage center will also display a handmade bunad on loan from the
family of Margaret Kleven in the style of the Hardunger region of Norway. On Saturday, representatives from the Norwegian American Genealogy Center will come to the center from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to talk to people about how to start tracing their family roots. They won’t be doing actual genealogies, Listug said, because there won’t be time, but the conversation will hopefully answer questions and get the ball rolling. Though it won’t be available during Syttende Mai, Livsreise has a bank of six computers that connect with the Norwegian American Genealogy Center and digital archives in Norway to help people discover their Norwegian roots. Contact Alexander Cramer at alexander.cramer@ wcinet.com.
File photo by Kimberly Wethal
Participants in the Paddle and Portage Race paddle towards the finish line.
Racing down the Yahara ALEXANDER CRAMER Unified Newspaper Group
The 43rd annual Syttende Mai canoe race starts Friday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the end of Yahara Road off Williams Drive in Pleasant Springs. There will be street parking near the start and participants are asked to arrive by 5:30 p.m. at the latest to check in, get the lineup and ensure a prompt start. The three-and-a-halfmile race down the Yahara River includes a portage in downtown Stoughton at the Forton Street Bridge before finishing on Riverside Drive near Mandt Park. The race is open to all ages in multiple categories: men; women; mixed
category will receive a miniature canoe paddle hand-painted by local rosemalers. What: Canoe race and If you’d like to watch portage on the Yahara the race, organizers sugRiver gest the following as good When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, spots: the bridge at County May 18 Hwy. B, near County Hwy. Where: 2714 Yahara N; Forton Street Bridge in Road (end of Yahara Stoughton; the West Main Road off Williams Drive in Street Bridge; the pedesPleasant Springs) trian bridge from West Jefferson Sreet to Main Page Info: 205-3182 or Court; and the finish line stoughtonfestivals.com/ near Mandt Park. athletic-competitions And as always with Syttende Mai, while inappropriate attire is prohibited, (one man and one woman); viking gear is encouraged youth 14 and under; one and welcomed. adult 25 and over and one Contact Alexander Cramchild; and juniors 15-17 er at alexander.cramer@ years old. wcinet.com. Participants will get a t-shirt and winners in each
If You Go
Norwegian Heritage Center Syttende Mai 2018!
Admission: Syttende Mai Button - $5.00
Friday, May 18: 11:00am-6:00pm Saturday, May 19: 9:30am-5:00pm Sunday, May 20: 10:00am-12:00pm
File photo by Amber Levenhagen
Canoe race attendees got creative with their viewing spots during the Syttende Mai canoe race last year.
Costume show returns for 45th year
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The 45th annual Norwegian Costume Show will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington St. The show features a variety of bunads from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, according to the Syttende Mai festival’s official website. The show will also feature sølje, jewelry such
as brooches or pins used in ornamentation of bunads, where attendees will be able to view them up close. Attendees will also be able to learn about the different designs of bunads, when it was designed and the region of Norway they originated in. – Kimberly Wethal
If You Go What: Norwegian Costume Show When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday Where: First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington St.
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Quilt show open for weekend No changes from last year KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
The quilt show, a traditional part of the Syttende Mai festival for more than three decades, will be back this year. The quilt show can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday at the River Bluff Middle School gymnasium, 235 N. Forrest St. This year’s featured quilter will be Alice Asleson, show organizer Mary Olson said. Olson said other than the featured quilter, which changes each year, there won’t be many changes for this year’s show. The quilt show brings in between 75 and 100 quilts that have a variety of themes and patterns. Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite quilt. The top three will take home a Viewer’s Choice ribbon at the end of the show. The show is open for submissions from quilters of all levels of skill and experience. To fill out an application to display a quilt, visit the Photo by Scott De Laruelle official Syttende Mai website Lucy Chose of Stoughton curtsies after checking out some of at stoughtonfestivals.com/ arts/#anchor-link-quilt-show. the quilts on display at 2017 Syttende Mai.
Photo by Samantha Christian
Kelly Tinsman, of Stoughton, competes during the Viking Games Strongman competition at Syttende Mai 2016.
Viking Games in its fifth year Viking Press event to debut at competition KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
T h e a n n u a l Vi k i n g Games is going five years strong. “It’s been one of those things that we started off very small, and organically,” Tim Strandlie, organizer of the Viking Games, said. “Our first year we had 16 or 17 people, and each year we’ve added equipment. The word gets out, and now we’re a regional competition, so we pull people from this area, but also from Illinois, Iowa, northern Michigan, Minnesota.” As a result, the number of registrants has crossed 60. The Viking Games will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The event serves as a regional qualifying round for the United States
If You Go What: Strongman competition When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Where: Intersection of S. Division and W. Jefferson Streets Strongman, Inc. competition. The competition is divided by weight classes and between the male and female genders. The event winners will qualify to move on to the national competition. The events that competitors will compete in this year will change slightly, Standlie said, because they don’t want to do the same five events each year. “Based on competitor feedback and equipment, we tweak the events a little bit,” he said. Competitors will compete in five challenges at this year’s Viking Games – Atlas Stone, Truck Pull, Last Person Standing
Deadlift, Tire Flip/Farmer Frame Carry Medley, and the new event, Viking Press. “ I f i t ’s t h e Vi k i n g Games, we should have the Viking Press,” Strandlie said. The Viking Press is a lifting challenge that involves lifting a press from the c o m p e t i t o r ’s s h o u l d e r height above their head to a “full lockout” for 60 seconds, according to an event description document provided to the Hub. Strandlie says that while most of the people who participate in the Syttende Mai Viking Games don’t do this professionally, qualifying for nationals in one of these events is an achievement. “Most of our competitors have full-time jobs – I’m a teacher,” he said. “We’re not aspiring to end up on television, but some people maybe could someday.”
Rosemaling on display Sale honors ‘birthplace of North American rosemaling’ ALEXANDER CRAMER Unified Newspaper Group
Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com.
Happy Syttende Mai!
Hundreds of hand-painted items made by 40 artists will be on display and for sale once again this year. The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19, and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 20, at the fire station training room, 401 E. Main St. Most years there’s a line “down the street” on Friday morning to get in to the rosemaling sale to purchase the choicest pieces, Wisconsin State Rosemaling Association board member Mary Knoflicek told the Hub. The hundreds of pieces – from cupboards to plates to chairs – line tables in the fire
If You Go What: Rosemaling exhibit and sale When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 18 and 19, 9 a.m. to noon May 20 Where: Fire station training room, 401 E. Main St. Info: stoughtonfestivals. com/arts department and range in price from around $25 to nearly $1,000. Judges award winners in different categories, and all visitors are asked to vote for the fan favorite. The winners remain on display through the end of the event Sunday, and the purchasers are asked to come pick them up before 1 p.m. Norwegian decorative painting, rosemaling has been a tradition in Stoughton since the Great Depression,
Knoflicek said. When Per Lysne was laid off from his job as a “striper,” or painter, with Mandt Wagon in 1929, he began rosemaling pieces to earn money. Lysne wouldn’t teach others, but he would allow others to watch him work as long as they didn’t speak to him, Knoflicek said. As other Norwegians in the area started painting, Stoughton became known as the birthplace of North American rosemaling. Lysne eventually got so famous he painted 600 plates in one sitting at Marshall Field’s in Chicago, Knoflicek said. Knoflicek is an artist who teaches rosemaling to others and said that the work is meditative and takes concentration. “I love the art so much, even though I have not one speck of Norwegian in me,” Knoflicek said. “When you do it, you love it, that’s all it takes.”
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May 17, 2018
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Parade: Son using GoFundMe to help cover costs of ‘Metal Mom’ Syttende Mai parade float Continued from page 1 all moms, and I even have some church friends that are going to participate,” Jeanne said. “I’ll be a good sport. I don’t like being in the spotlight, it’ll be a little embarrassing, and people are going to scratch their heads and wonder ‘What is going on?’”
Birth of metal mom The joke started several years ago when Nick found a Metallica shirt at a thrift store that had “terrified” him as a child. “I was in middle school, and I remember there was a kid who wore a metal shirt and it had a knife coming out of a toilet and that was the scariest shirt I had ever seen, it just terrified me,” he said. “So when I saw it at a thrift store years later I thought it would be funny to ask my mom to wear it while doing a typical thing like BBQing in the backyard.” The picture got a lot of attention on social media, and thus Metal Mom was born. Nick lives in New York, where he works with the Found Footage Festival after spending 14 years with The Late Show with David Letterman. He grew up in Stoughton, where his parents still live. Nick still searches for metal shirts for Jeanne that he sends to his dad, Dan Prueher, with instructions on how to pose for the picture that will eventually be shared on social media. “It sent me on a mission that every time I was at a thrift store, it was my mission to get a shirt for my mom,” Nick said.
Joining the parade Jeanne and Nick presented their Metal Mom information to the Syttende Mai committee in order to earn the spot in the parade, a requirement for all participants. Though it’s much different than what has been presented in the parade in previous years, Nick and Jeanne said there were no issues with Metal Mom being granted approval. “Nick had to make sure he had insurance for the driver, there’s more to it than just saying ‘Hey,
A 25-foot-tall balloon honoring “Metal Mom” Jeanne Prueher will be featured during the Syttende Mai parade on Sunday. I’m going to do a float,’” Jeanne explained. The parade typically features businesses, community and student organizations and groups, from Stoughton and the surrounding area. “If you’re not a corporation, it’s free, or if you’re doing it for community reasons, or in this case patently ridiculous reasons, there’s no entry fee,” Jeanne said. Nick watched old WSTO videos of Syttende Mai parades dating back to the 1930’s and said the balloon is unlike what the parade has seen so far. “In 1994 there was a little Nokia cellphone balloon, and it wasn’t floating, it was on a trailer and there were three people trying in
vain to hold it upright,” he said. “So there were balloons, but a really disappointing one, so I thought it would be really funny to have a giant balloon of my mom to give kids the excitement of watching the Macy’s (Thanksgiving) Day balloons.” Nick started a GoFundMe account to help offset the cost of the balloon, which he said is more than $7,000. “Hi, this is my mom. Don’t worry, she’s fine, she doesn’t need help with medical bills or repairing her home. She needs her own parade float,” the account description explains. As of last week, more than half of the fundraising goal had been earned.
We’re Here For You
Black metal is widely believed to have originated in Norway in the 1970s, with a surge again in the 1990s. B a n d s l i k e Ve n o m , Bathory, Mercyful Fate and Celtic Frost are among the few that started the metal
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On the Web
On the Web
To listen to some of Crackhammer’s music, visit:
For more information about the Syttende Mai parade, visit:
Reverbnation.com/ crackhammer
Stoughtonfestivals.com/ parade
movement and might be played during the parade on Metal Mom’s float. “I think we should celebrate some of those modern Norwegian traditions,” Nick said. “It’s fun to celebrate folk dancing, but people in Norway would say they have a more recent history as well.” Stoughton’s own Norwegian metal band, Crackhammer, will also be featured during the parade. Crackhammer formed in 2008 and was named as such because the singer, Bill “Attila” Faris, used to carve stone, according to its Facebook page. The band includes Faris on vocals, Jason Fellland and Dan Kalagian on guitar,
Justin Roettger on bass and Jeff Grieshammer on drums. “We’re really excited that they’re writing a Metal Mom song, they’re even going to record it professionally,” Nick said. Despite having hundreds of metal t-shirts, Jeanne will be hearing most of the music for the first time during the parade. A fan of softer rock and classical music, she doesn’t listen to metal of any kind. “Absolutely not,” she said. Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber.levenhagen@ wcinet.com.
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Despite the progress of the fundraiser, the balloon has already been ordered and made for the parade. There were some logistical issues to solve, Nick said, because navigating a 25-foot-tall balloon down Main Street could be a little tricky, especially with potentially poor weather. But the team has a game plan. “There are power lines to worry about and things like that, but there are some stretches of the parade where she can really soar,” he said, comparing the balloon to the “Stay Puft M a n ” f r o m t h e G h o s tbusters movie.
Metal roots
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“Metal Mom” Jeanne Prueher grills a hot dog while wearing the Metallica shirt that started it all.
There will be several road closures as a The Syttende Mai Parade, from 1:30result of the Syttende Mai parades. 3:30 p.m. Sunday, will close U.S. Hwy. 51 The Syttende Mai Youth Parade, from from Fifth Street to Gjertson Street. 1:15-2:15 p.m. Saturday, will close U.S. Detour signs will be in place during the Hwy. 51 from Monroe Street to Fourth parades. Street.
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May 17, 2018
Unusual words
AMBER LEVENHAGEN
Seven: Syv Eight: Åtte Nine: Ni Ten: Ti
Useful words Hello: Hallo Goodbye: Ha det Yes: Ja No: Nei Please: Vær så snill
Pronunciation guide A as in father
E as in wedding I as in meat
Thank you: Takk Thank you very much: Tusen takk Excuse me: Unnskyld meg
Æ as in mad Ø as in blurt Å as in hall
U as in hood
Special pronunciations KJ, KI and KY: make a soft k-sound without actually blocking the throat, so that the air makes a sound as it squeezes out. SJ, SKY, SKJ and SKI: as in shop J: as in yes R: is a little more “sharp” than in English
The alphabet ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZÆØÅ Source: visitnorway.com
A Scandinavian style of carved or painted decoration (as on furniture or walls or dinnerware) consisting of floral motifs.
Unified Newspaper Group
The Syttende Mai Sunday parade returns for its 66th year. The parade starts with law enforcement, safety and military veterans’ color guards, as well as dozens of floats dedicated to students, music groups, athletes and local organizations. The parade starts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, beginning at Mandt Park and heading west toward Stoughton Plaza. Stoughton Area Chamber of Commerce director Laura Trotter told the Hub she is particularly excited about the extra work area businesses have put in to their respective parade floats. “I think we’re going to have one of the better parades this year,” she said. “I’m so excited about the parade this year, I’m really struck specifically about how the business community has really embraced the festival.” A special Norwegian metal music tribute float, dubbed “Metal Mom,” will be featured this year as one of the new additions to the parade. “The heavy metal mom
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Silas Bouzek marches down Main Street with the Stoughton High School Marching Band during the Syttende Mai parade.
If You Go What: Syttende Mai parade When: 1:30 p.m. Sunday Where: Beginning at Mandt Park heading west Info: stoughtonfestivals.com/parades
going to be a super exciting addition this year,” Trotter said. For more information about the parade, visit stoughtonfestivals.com/ parade.
Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber.levenhagen@ wcinet.com. is a super fun, the Stough- has been helping to build ton Village Players Theater the actual float, so it’s
Youth parade returns AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group
N e s t l e d i n t h e bu s y schedule of events Saturday, the Syttende Mai Youth Parade returns this year with its familiar routine. The parade will start at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, beginning at South Monroe and West Main streets, heading east. “Celebrating our Norwegian Heritage” is the theme for the year. The youth parade highlights local youth organizations. The Syttende Mai prince and princess are also featured during the parade. “It’s a great way to witness the next generation continue Stoughton’s proud Norwegian traditions and
If you go What: Syttende Mai Youth Parade When: 1:15 p.m. Saturday Where: Begins at South Monroe and West Main Streets Info: stoughtonfestivals. com/parades culture,” the chamber website stated. For more information about the parade, visit stoughtonfestivals.com/ parade. Contact Amber LevenhaPhoto by Kimberly Wethal gen at amber.levenhagen@ Aria Volkman, 2, of Madison, waves a Norwegian flag as she wcinet.com. watches the Syttende Mai parade.
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Syttende Mai (SOOT-in-da MY): The Norwegian Constitution Day is the National Day of Norway and is an official national holiday observed on May 17 each year. Among Norwegians, the day is referred to simply as Syttende Mai (meaning May 17). Lutefisk (LOO-ta-fisk): Scandinavian dish prepared by soaking dried cod in lye to tenderize it, then skinning, boning, and boiling the fish to a gelatinous consistency. Lefse (LEF-sa): A round flatbread of Norwegian origin, traditionally made of a potato-based dough and baked on Lefse a griddle. Krumkake (KROOM-ka-ka): A Norwegian waffle cookie made of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and cream. Krumkake are traditionally made during the Christmas season. A special decorative two-sided iron griddle, similar to a waffle iron, is used to bake the thin round cakes. Fjord (Fee-YORD): a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between Making krumkake high cliffs, as in Norway and Iceland, typically formed by submergence of a glaciated valley. Bunad (BOO-nod): A traditional Norwegian costume, typical of rural origin, often embroidered Fjord and featuring scarves, shawls and hand-made silver or gold jewelry. Rosemaling (ROSE-ma-ling): A Scandinavian style of carved or painted decoration (as on furniture or walls or dinnerware) consisting of floral motifs.
One: En Two: To Three: Tre Four: Fire Five: Fem Six: Seks
13
Syttende Mai parade is May 20
Norwegian glossary
How to count
Syttende Mai
14
May 17, 2018
Syttende Mai
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About Sons of Norway Sons of Norway is a fraternal organization for people with an interest in Norwegian heritage and culture. At Mandt Lodge, those opportunities include such events as fish boils, Norwegian cooking clubs, reading groups, sending youth to a summer heritage camp, participating in district events, Norwegian movie nights, b ow l i n g a n d s p o r t i n g events and card parties. The lodge is involved in many community events. Among them are hosting Chamber of Commerce bus tour dinners, Relay for Life Team sponsorship and donating to various groups and organizations. The public is welcome at any Mandt Lodge activity or trips they host. The Mandt Lodge Facebook page (Sons of Norway Stoughton WI Mandt Lodge) has more than 215 members. The lodge has been recognized on the district and international level as a leader in cultural and youth programs, outreach in the community and offering a variety of sport and social activities. The lodge plays bingo the third Saturday of
On the web For more information about the Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge, visit:
sofn.com each month, plays kubb throughout the summer and has a variety of other activities, classes, bake sales and baking clinics. It also hosts many bus tours and groups as a member of the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce and facilitates the Stoughton Norwegian Summit group. The lodge meets the s e c o n d We d n e s d a y o f the month at 7 p.m., except during Lent and in December, when it meets on the second Thursday. Other cultural meetings are scheduled for the other months and will vary in dates. For information about Sons of Norway, including membership, visit sofn. com or sonsofnorway5. com or call Jane Conner at 873-1696 or Darlene Arneson at 873-7209 or email arnesonfamily5@ gmail.com.
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Photo submitted
Sons of Norway members from left, Donna Maurer, Joyce Foss, Laurie Barrett and Vicky Goplen have been busy baking cookies that will be sold at three locations during Syttende Mai.
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Sons of Norway offers Norwegian fare for all tastes and ages
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SONS OF NORWAY MANDT LODGE VISIT US IN 3 LOCATIONS THIS YEAR!
Outside Bake Sale, Corner of Main and Water Streets by Slinde’s Interiors-Norwegian and American baked sale items, packages of lefse and donuts, coffee and cold beverages. Open on Friday 4-9, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4. Outside Bake Sale Stand at 317 South Page Street (south side of lodge). Open Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 11am-3pm (or after parade). Norwegian and American baked goods, packages of lefse and donuts, rømmegrøt, coffee and cold beverages. Carry-outs and bulk sales will be available after the parade on Sunday! Syttende Mai Luncheon inside lodge at 317 South Page Street. Serving on Saturday, 10am-4pm and Sunday, 11am-2:00pm. Ala carte luncheon buffet with Norwegian and American items and baked goods, lefse, rømmegrøt, søt suppe, riskrem, and beverages. The lodge is handicapped accessible with a lift on the south end. Reservations are NOT needed. Bingo on Saturday at 6:00 pm at 317 South Page Street. Bingo with cash prizes. Food will be offered after 5pm and during the bingo break.
The Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge will showcase Norwegian foods for all tastes and ages this Syttende Mai as it offers sit down meals featuring meatballs, herring and a variety of baked goods. With its signature donuts and lefse as staples in the bake sales, the lodges will offer rømmegrøt all three days at its outside stand by the lodge. Mandt Lodge will have food sales in three locations during Syttende Mai. Outside of the lodge building at 317 S. Page St., rømmegrøt, baked goods, and varme polse will be available 1-6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, after the parade. It will also be the location for bulk sales after the parade of foods offered on the serving line, if there is any left. The lodge will continue its bake sale and beverages at the Slinde Interiors tent location, offering Norwegian and American baked sale items, packages of lefse and donuts, coffee and cold beverages. That location will be open 4-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Syttende Mai luncheons will be served inside the lodge, from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The a la carte luncheon buffet offers Norwegian and American items and baked goods, meatballs, red cabbage, wieners, lefse, rømmegrøt, søt suppe, riskrem and beverages. Bulk sales will be available after the parade on Sunday outside of lodge. The lodge offers bingo at 6 p.m. Saturday, with both cash and door prizes. Food will be offered after 5 p.m. and during the bingo break. – Submitted by the Sons of Norway Mandt Lodge
For more information, contact Darlene Arneson at arnesonfamily5@gmail.com or 608-514-4951.
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The Best of Syttende Mai in One Place!
Syttende Mai Celebration at Christ Lutheran Church 700 County Highway B
Sunday, May 20, 2018 10:00 a.m. Norwegian Folk Music in the Sanctuary
11:30 a.m. Coffee and Meatballs, Herring, Rice Pudding, Rommegrot, Cucumber Salad, Red Cabbage, Lefse, Fresh Fruit, Norwegian Goodies and More in Fellowship Hall Free Will Donation for
Youth Mission Trip to Baton Rouge, La.
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10:30 a.m. Old Black Book Liturgy with portions of the worship sung in Norwegian. Guest Preacher is Emily Lawrence Meyer with Edvard Grieg Chorus. “Ja, Vi Elsker Dette Landet” to end the service
Photo submitted
Lodge member Kim Sime demonstrates rosemaling to third grade students during the annual third grade cultural event. This is the 11th year that Sons of Norway hosted the event for all three public schools and St. Ann’s as a part of their youth programming.
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May 17, 2018
Syttende Mai
15
Festival: Chorus Public House event will feature artists, live performances Continued from page 1 will offer a slightly different feel – and flavor – than last year.
Chorus Public House
New brews A few new flavors will be featured at the beer tent this year. In addition to the triedand-true favorites, Wisconsin Brewing Company is releasing two new beers, including one specifically brewed for Syttende Mai. A Sahti-style beer called Koselig was brewed just for Stoughton. Sahti is a Nordic style and one of the oldest continuously-brewed beer styles in the world, according to the chamber website. Koselig, a farmhouse-style ale, is traditionally brewed with ingredients from around the farm, including juniper berries. The Norwegian word “koselig” means cozy, or creating warmth.
Photo by Amber Levenhagen
From left, Elizabeth Hulleberg and her brother, Poppy wave flags and cheer at the motorcyclists who drove through the parade last year.
ATM locations • Home Savings Bank, 400 W. Main St • Kwik Trip West, 517 W. Main St. • McFarland State Bank, 207 S. Forrest St. • Viking Brew Pub, 211 E. Main St. • River Bluff Middle School, 320 North St. • Craft beer and music tent, South Division near West Jefferson Street • South Division and West Washington Streets, near the Cinema Cafe
Outdoor toilets • 320 North St., near the school administration building • West Washington and South Division Streets, near the festival tent • West Main and South Monroe Streets • West Main and South Page Streets • West Main and Gjertson Streets • South Fourth and 400 Mandt Pkwy. • South Fourth and East Main Streets, near the library • South Division and West Jefferson Streets, near the craft beer and music tent • South Fourth and Isham Streets, near the open lot • South Division and Forton Streets, Division Street Park • 248 W. Main St., senior center parking lot “They have these words that refer to making things cozy, and that’s supposed to help get out of the long, d a r k w i n t e r s ,” Tr o t t e r explained. “It’s one of the words associated with that feeling of being cozy.” Re:Fresh Radler, a grapefruit soda and lager blend, is one of the seasonal selections Wisconsin Brewing is offering on a larger scale. It’s new to the festival this year and will have a special tapping with the brewers on Saturday. “It’s very popular with athletes and people who like to go on long bike rides,” Trotter said. “It apparently has been hitting the local people like a storm, (Wisconsin Brewing) is really surprised at how popular it is.” Re:Fresh was brewed with the Campus Craft B r e w e r y, a p a r t n e r ship between Wisconsin
Brewing Company and University of Wisconsin-Madison students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and school of journalism and mass communication. “We’ve always worked with Wisconsin Distributors for our event, and we started working with Wisconsin Brewing Company about how to make our beer garden area more attractive outside of the Stoughton community,” Trotter explained. “They have a lot of experience with their own events.” Special tappings will be held at 8 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday in the craft beer and music tent, South Division near West Jefferson Street. Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber.levenhagen@ wcinet.com.
Photo by Smith Photography
Jordyn Bradford, 8, and Hunter Johnson, 9, are the 2018 Syttende Mai Princess and Prince. Johnson, son of Luke and Sarah Johnson, is a student at Fox Prairie Elementary School. Bradford, daughter of John and Robin Bradford, is a student at Sandhill Elementary School.
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The Stoughton Arts Council has sponsored an interactive Scandinavian arts, crafts and music event at the Chorus Public House this year. Nearly a dozen events will be highlighted during the day on Saturday, including Hardanger fiddle performances, rosemaling, weaving and modern knitting. The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 154 W. Main St. “It really filled out the festival with something not only new but something that celebrates our heritage in a different way,” Trotter said. Poor weather has plagued the festival for the last few years, so an indoor space that provides interactive programs for all ages is important, Trotter said. A booster button is required for entry and can be purchased at the door. Designed to bring attendees up close and personal with the artists, the demonstrations are set up so people can ask questions and learn more about the artists’ craft. Among the demonstrations throughout the day, Don Rorvig will present Acanthus and Viking-style carving, Jerry Loosenhelm will have Aiglets and Viking-style jewelry, Ingris Franses Stark will showcase Celtic and Viking knot work, Sarah Bukrey will demonstrate Krokbragd weaving and Ann Jorunn will demonstrate Norwegian knitting and hand-stitching. Special demonstrations from 9-11 a.m. include Donna M. Olson’s Hardanger embroidery on display, Nancy Odalen demonstrating Rosemaling folk art painting and Sandy Fleming, a Sami bracelet instructor, will demonstrate her techniques from 9-11 a.m. The Fykerud’n Spelemannslag Hardanger Fiddle Group will perform between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Andreas Transo will perform the Hardanger fiddle from 1:30-3:30 p.m. For more information about Stoughton Arts Council, visit facebook.com/ stoughtonarts.
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