Contact: Bruce Conley, Associate Director of College Relations
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
www.augie.edu

June 9, 2005

Nordland Fest 2005 Celebrates a Century of Norwegian Independence

SIOUX FALLS - Nordland Fest, celebrating a century of Norwegian independence, will be held June 17-19 on the campus of Augustana College.

Norway had its own constitution since May 17, 1814, but until June 7, 1905, the country was ruled by a Swedish king. The legislature voted him out when the king did not agree to allowing them to establish their own diplomatic relations with other nations, thus effecting a bloodless coup. This is an entire year of celebration in Norway and also in Norwegian communities around the world, including Sioux Falls.

Festivities for Nordland Fest 2005 begin Friday, June 17, with an 8:00 p.m. concert at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 909 W. 33rd Street. Featured is the Mannskoret Klang, a men’s choir from Lillehammer, Norway. The choir was founded in 1905.

Family Heritage Day on Saturday, June 18, features a variety of events from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Included are a children’s parade, outdoor activities at Augustana’s Heritage Park, and indoor activities at the Elmen Center.

Activities in Heritage Park include dancing on the green, and many games and crafts for children. Arts and crafts, and a variety of Norwegian foods will be available in the Elmen Center.

The Scandinavian Evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Elmen Center features a smorgasbord and entertainment by the Sioux Valley Singers and Susan and Lise Enochsson, folksingers from Sweden. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children 12 and under. For reservations call the Augustana box office at 274-4613.

Nordland Fest 2005 concludes on Sunday, June 19, with worship beginning at 10:30 a.m. in the Beaver Creek Lutheran Church. The Nordland Heritage Foundation brunch and program begins at noon in the Morrison Commons on the Augustana campus. The cost is $7.95. Call the Augustana box office at 274-4613 for reservations.