Please return to this page next fall when we will begin posting the events and schedules for next year's event, featuring the Swedish Expo #3, June 20-24, 2001. Or later this summer when we will post some additional reports on this year's festival. In the meantime, you can still read about what you missed by not attending this year's event!

THE EVENT

The Scandinavians of the upper midwest invite you to join them in this annual celebration of their heritage. This festival, held during the last full week in June, has quickly become one of the most popular events of its kind in the country. And the 23rd Annual Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival promises to be the biggest and best yet. Displaying the best traditions of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden in song, dance, story telling, foods, folk art and craft demonstrations and sales, and much, much more, with indoor and outdoor activities of all sorts, this celebration has something for everyone, young and old. And, best of all, its mostly FREE (see schedule for complete information).

Hosted by the sister cities of Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, in the heart of the Red River Valley, with events and activities lasting from Wednesday morning to Sunday afternoon, this celebration is always a highlight of the summer in the valley.

Events are centered in the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center in downtown Moorhead for the first 3 days of the festival and in Trollwood Park in north Fargo on the weekend, but there are ongoing special events and mini-festivals at many other locations throughout the festival. These include tours of the Stave Church in Viking Park and the Bergquist Pioneer Log Cabin, the Midsummer's Dance, the Festival Banquet, and the Festival Dance. Featured events include the ever-popular Folk Costume Style Show and Grandparent-Grandchild Fun Tours at the Hjemkomst. Even the public libraries participate by having special displays devoted to the Scandinavian heritage.

ICELANDIC EXPOSITION 2000

Each year one of the Scandinavian groups is official host for the festival, and, fittingly, the millenium year of 2000 is the year for the Icelanders to host. It is particularly appropriate as it is also the millenium year (1000th anniversary) of 2 great events in Icelandic history. In the year 1000, the entire country of Iceland, through the practical means of a decision in their yearly grand assembly, the Althing, converted from the old religions to Christianity. It has also been chosen as the year to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the first Icelandic settlements in America. This is but one of many events throughout North America and Iceland which will be honoring both those achievements.

Though there is still much work to do and many events are still not finalized, the Icelanders have many special things in store for the festival. The Hjemkomst will have a reproduction of a badstofa, the 'living room' of a typical Icelandic house of years gone by. The Folk Costume Style Show, which features the national costumes of all participating countries, this year will have an extra added feature - appearances by the Jólasveinar - the Yuletide Lads - the Icelandic version of Santa Clauses. They, of course, could never settle for just one Santa - they have 13! A large display of artifacts representing the Icelandic heritage both in North America and the home country will be on view at the Hjemkomst. There are also guest lectures by the noted writer and Icelandic historian Nelson Gerrard, Icelandic genealogy and history displays, demonstrations of traditional Icelandic spinning wheel techniques, and Icelandic booths hosted by the Icelandic Klub of the Fargo-Moorhead Area and the Icelandic National League of North America.
Latest additions to the Icelandic exposition include music direct from Iceland and the storyteller Kathy Arnason with the Huldufolk (Icelandic gnomes) and more being added (see below)!

HOW POPULAR IS THE SCANDINAVIAN HJEMKOMST FESTIVAL?

This festival is now included among the Top 100 Tour Events in North America - and one of the top 2 events in the state of Minnesota - by the American Bus Association. This recognition places it in an exclusive category with such events as the Medora Musical at the Burning Hills Ampitheatre at Medora, ND, which runs all summer, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, Minnesota, which runs most of August and September. A valued and well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication the volunteer force of people have put into their efforts over the years to make this celebration the grand event it is.

THE LOCATIONS

The Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, which has undergone radical renovations the past few years, is home to the "Hjemkomst", the full size, authentic replica of a Viking ship built in a shipyard in Hawley, Minnesota (yes, in the middle of the country) and sailed to Norway in 1982 just to show it could be done. The Viking Park, on the grounds of the center, is now also the home of a beautiful stave church, an authentic replica of one built in Norway some 800 years ago. For this event the entire center is filled with art, craft, and informational booths displaying the many facets of Scandinavian culture and the Icelandic Exposition. It is also the host site for the 'Hands Across the Sea' reception, the Folk Costume Style Show, and other events still being scheduled.

Trollwood Park, located in the north end of Fargo and bordered by one of the many bends of the Red River, is more than adequately equipped to handle a celebration of this type. It is also home to the Trollwood Performing Arts School, so there are outdoor stages available for a wide variety of entertainment. And there is lots of room. Large parking lots are available at the edges of the park and special transportation can be arranged. In addition to the many exhibitors, there will be entertainment of many sorts, and the Scandinavian food booths are always ready to provide a taste of their home country's traditional foods.

SCHEDULE (some of the following is subject to change) For a complete detailed schedule see the entertainment page.

Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, Wednesday, 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm (Center open until 9 pm), and Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Free Admission
Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, Saturday, 10 am to 5pm and Sunday, noon to 5 pm, $3.50 Adults; $3.00 Seniors and Juniors; $1.50 Children (under age 4 free)
Trollwood Park, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, Free Admission
Icelandic Exposition 2000 at the Hjemkomst Center, Thursday and Friday, Free Admission; with admission to the Center on Saturday and Sunday
Hands Across the Sea reception at the Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center Wednesday, 5-7 pm, by invitation
Midsummer's Dance at Gooseberry Mound Park in Moorhead, sponsored by the Swedish Society, Wednesday, 7:30 pm, Free
Smorbrod Lunch and Craft Show, Wednesday, 10 am-4 pm, Sons of Norway, Free
Festival Banquet at Concordia College, Thursday, 7 pm, cost $13.50, Reservations Required, call 1 218 299 3454
Stave Church Tours at Viking Park at Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, Wednesday through Sunday, Free
Fargo's Festival Dance at the El Zagel Hall, Fargo, Friday, 8 pm, Free
Bergquist Pioneer Log Cabin, Thursday through Saturday, 1 pm to 4 pm, Free
Folk Costume Style Show, Friday, 1 pm, at the Hjemkomst, Free
Icelandic Music Concert, Björg Karítas Bergmann, soloist, and Ingibjörg Thorsteinsdóttir, pianist; Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at the Hjemkomst, Free
Icelandic Heritage/History Lectures at the Hjemkomst
  "Why They Left Iceland", Nelson Gerrard, 11 am, Friday, Free
  "The Search for New Iceland", Nelson Gerrard, 3 pm, Friday, Free
Kathy Arnason and the Icelandic Huldufolk, Thursday & Friday at the Hjemkomst, Free
Kringen Lodge Turkey Dinner, 5:30-7:30 pm, Friday, Sons of Norway, Reservations required; cost $9.50. Phone 1-701-232-9222 or write to Sons of Norway, 722 2nd Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102
St Hans Crowning & Dance, 8-12 pm, Friday, Sons of Norway, Free
Scandinavian Flags Parade, Trollwood, Saturday and Sunday, times tbd
Scandinavian Church Service, Trollwood, 11 am Sunday
6 Site Self Tour, guide booklets available at the Sons of Norway, Free,
1859 Log Cabin and Red River Folk Art Center, Free, see details below
The Rourke Art Gallery, $2, see details below
The Rourke Art Museum, $2, see details below
Fargo Public Library, Nordic displays
Moorhead Public Library, Nordic displays

See below for more complete information on events. Many events are still in planning stages, several are subject to change, and unforeseen circumstances may lead to cancellation without prior notice. The above will be updated periodically as events are finalized and schedules worked out, so bookmark and return occasionally to see what's new.

CONTACTS

Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival, contact Bev Paulson, call 1-218-233-8484 or write to 3107 Rivershore Drive, Moorhead, MN 56560-1963

Icelandic Exposition 2000 and Folk Costume Style Show, contact Ima Dinusson, 2906 Edgemont Street North, Fargo, ND 58102, 1-701-235-2317

To correct or add to information on this page, or if you have an interest in the Icelandic heritage, contact Arlan Steinolfson, 744 48th Street Southwest, Fargo, ND 58103, phone 1-701-281-8824 (home) or 1-701-281-1884 (work), or, preferably, email arlans@aol.com

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, READ ON

THE HULDUFOLK & KATHY ARNASON

The Huldufolk have been travelling quite a bit this year, but mostly in Canada. When they heard that the Icelanders were hosting this year's Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival, they managed to conjure an invitation to see what mischief they could cause in the Red River Valley.
Who are the Huldufolk? They are the Icelandic members of the hidden people. Much like the Irish leprechauns and other spirits who live in the earth and rock, they can only be seen by those they want to see them or by true believers. Mostly they show themselves to children, but will occasionally appear to an adult who takes care of his inner child. Their purpose is to bring communities together, help children and adults nurture their creative sides, build friendships, and make sure we never take life too seriously.
They are accompanied by Kathy Arnason, who has been their friend for many years. Together with a few tricks, they have actually brought her a lot of luck so they go practically everywhere together. Kathy, who lives on the shore of Lake Winnipeg in the largest Icelandic community in North America, Gimli, will be telling stories about her friends at the festival, so be sure to check the schedule if you want a chance to meet the Huldufolk.
To view a couple of the very rare snapshots taken by one of the lucky people able to see them, click on HULDUFOLK.

MUSIC FROM ICELAND

Björg Karítas Bergmann, an established soloist and choir singer, and Ingibjörg Thorsteinsdóttir, an accomplished pianist, will be bringing some of the music of Iceland directly from the home country. They are both members of choirs in western Iceland and both have substantial musical backgrounds. They will be performing Wednesday at the Hands Across the Sea Reception, Thursday and Friday at the Hjemkomst, and Thursday evening at the banquet courtesy of the kind sponsorship of the Icelandic airline, Icelandair, and the festival.

THE FOLK COSTUME STYLE SHOW

More details will be included later as the information becomes available. For information on the Jólasveinar, see below. If you are interested in participating or helping with the organization of this event, please contact Ima Dinusson, address above.

GUEST LECTURES BY NELSON GERRARD

Nelson Gerrard, the noted author, historian, and genealogist, will give two lectures on Friday dealing with the history of the Icelandic settlements in North America. The first, "Why They Left Iceland", will deal with the conditions in Iceland and some of the history which led up to the massive emigration starting in the early 1870s and the second, "The Search for New Iceland", deals with the early immigration period and the Icelanders' quest for their own 'colony' in Canada.
Nelson, who is also a full time instructor and the official historian of the Icelandic National League (and producer of their yearly Icelandic Heritage Calendars), has written several books dealing with these topics, most notably The Icelandic River Saga, dealing with the settlement of that particular area of New Iceland and which has become a standard reference book for the history of the Icelandic settlements in general. His current project is the Gimlunga Saga, the history of Gimli and the Vidirnes District (the southern portion of New Iceland). In conjunction with this and other projects, Nelson is very interested in meeting with any people who have ties to the area - which includes a very large proportion of the Icelanders who settled in Dakota and Minnesota.
Among his many abilities is having a photographic memory - in this case literally. He has an uncanny ability to identify people and locations in old photos. So any who have unidentified photos lying around will likely not have a better opportunity to get them identified. Bring them with to the festival and Nelson will be able to tell you if he has seen the subjects before and, if so, likely be able to identify them. Contact Nelson Gerrard at Box 925, Arborg, Manitoba, Canada R0C 0A0, phone or fax 1-204-378-2758.

ICELANDIC HORSES

DUE TO UNFORTUNATE FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES, THE COOKS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BRING THEIR HORSES AS SCHEDULED.
Manadis, Vissa, and Gullbra with her foal Ljomi will be among the Icelandic horses on display and demonstrating their unique abilities during the Festival. Presented by Steve and Debby Cook of North Star Icelandics (their breeding farm near Waterville, south of Minneapolis), these beautiful horses, bred from true Icelandic stock, will demonstrate their strength, spirit, unique gaits, and even temperament in all languages. On display throughout the festival with riding demonstrations at various times. To visit their website click http://www.frontiernet.net/~cookice/

THE BADSTOFA

Due to the lack of native wood (the original settlers of Iceland denuded what forests did exist) and the expense of importing lumber, most common Icelanders lived in houses built of turf and stone. A homestead would consist of one or more of these crude buildings, and the living area, whether part of one or a separate building, was called the badstofa. Unlike modern living rooms, this was where they lived, the room with the table and the beds. Richer people had more rooms, perhaps more buildings, but the one room they all had in common was the badstofa. Here the family gathered at night, and here they would gather their tools, usually to do with carding, spinning, or sewing with wool, and work while the lucky one would either recite or read from the vast store of Icelandic literature, both written and oral. In this manner, even the poorest of the Icelanders maintained their literacy in an age where the ability to read and write was usually limited to the highest class.
One of the features of the Icelandic Exposition is a reproduction of such a badstofa, furnished in the manner of an earlier age. Many of the items displayed are those which were actually brought over with the early immigrants from Iceland.

JÓLASVEINAR To read about the Jólasveinar, the Icelandic yuletide lads, just click on the name.

ICELANDIC HISTORY AND GENEALOGY

Information and dialogue about the history of Iceland and of the Icelanders in North America will be available at varoius locations. Nelson Gerrard, who is lecturing during the festival, will be available at other times, the local Icelandic club has a booth, and the Icelandic displays will feature items of historical interest.
Arlan Steinolfson, who has been working for many years on both his family's history and on a survey of the Icelandic settlement in Dakota, will have some of the results of this work on display. Any who are interested in learning about this survey, who are interested in seeing if their ancestors are included, who wish to contribute to this survey, or who are interested in Icelandic genealogy in general are invited to visit. To find out more about the survey, go to the webpage http://hometown.aol.com/arlans/myhomepage/survey.html

THE ICELANDIC MILLENIUM CELEBRATIONS

To see a complete listing of cultural events taking place in North America to celebrate the millenium, go to the Iceland 2000 webpage at http://www.leifur-eiriksson.org/events/index.ehtm. To view a picture of Iceland's special stamps issued to commemorate the voyages to America 1000 years ago, click on STAMP.

GRANDPARENT - GRANDCHILD FUN TOUR

A chance for the young and old to have fun together. Get your passport at the Viking ship and travel to the different Scandinavian booths to get them stamped. Learn where the homeland of your ancestors is located, learn a foreign phrase, hear unique Nordic musical instruments played by talented musicians, taste the traditional fooods, see the old Nordic costumes at the Folk Costume Style Show, learn a craft, visit the Icelandic Exposition, and much more. Remember the event by having your picture taken in a child-size cutout of Lucia, Tomte, Nisseman, Nisse, Joulupukki, or a Jolasveinar. Drawings for prizes are held during the day for grandchildren taking part in the fun tour. Thursday and Friday only.

THE STAVE CHURCH

A full-size replica of the "Hopperstad" church in the village of Vik on the Norwegian Sognefjord which was built about 1200 and is considered one of the oldest churches in Norway. Construction of the replica church began in August, 1997, with dedication held at the Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival in 1998. Work on the intricate carvings on the interior and exterior of the church continues, with expected completion in 2001. Free tours describing the unique construction, where the building is supported by staves, or log columns, with a roof rising to 42 feet (the top of the weather vane is at 72 feet), are available throughout the festival. To view a LARGE or SMALL picture of the church, click on the appropriate word. Be sure to hit the return button to get back to this page.

THE BERGQUIST PIONEER LOG CABIN

Built in 1870 by the 21 year old Swedish immigrant, John G Bergquist, it is the oldest house in Moorhead still on its original site, on a bluff overlooking the Red River. Hours are 1-5 pm, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only (22, 23, 24 June). There will be Swedish crafts, coffee, and soft drinks, Mark Piehl, the Clay County Historical Museum's Archivist will describe its history and Ron Anderson will provide accordion music. Go west on 11th Avenue North in Moorhead and follow the Swedish flags. To view a picture click on CABIN. Admission: FREE

SCANDINAVIAN ENTERTAINMENT for more information go to the entertainment page.

SCANDINAVIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS DEMONSTRATORS AND EXHIBITORS for more information go to the arts and crafts page.

SCANDINAVIAN FOODS AT THE HJEMKOMST (Thursday and Friday)

Icelandic - The Icelandic Klub of the Fargo-Moorhead Area. Open-faced sandwiches of hangikjöt (smoked lamb), reyktur lax (smoke cured salmon), mysuostur (Icelandic whey cheese), or smjörlíki (margarine), all on home-made Icelandic brunt braud (brown bread). Desserts include vinarterta (layered prune or fruit-filled torte-cake), kleinur (Icelandic twisted doughnut), pönnukökur (folded, sugar-filled, thin dessert pancake); pönnukökur víd rjómi (fruit and cream filled dessert pancake).

Norwegian - Sons of Norway - lefse, rommegrot (cream mush), potatis klub - kumla (potato dumplings), and fruksoppe (fruit soup).

Danish - Red River Danes - aebleskiver (pancake balls) with jam and kringle (pastry).

Finnish - Minnesota Finnish-American Historical Society - pulla (cardamom bread) with jam.

Swedish - Swedish Society - risgrynsgrot (rice pudding)

Scandinavian Food - Hornbacher's - variety of foods and pastries (rosettes, krumkaka, etc) and free samples of lutefisk (cod) from Olsen Fish Company.

SCANDINAVIAN FOODS AT TROLLWOOD PARK (Saturday & Sunday)

Icelandic - The Icelandic Klub of the Fargo-Moorhead Area. Open-faced sandwiches of hangikjöt (smoked lamb) - $2.00, reyktur lax (smoke cured salmon) - $2.00, mysuostur (Icelandic whey cheese) - $1.50, or smjörlíki (margarine) -$1.00, all on home-made Icelandic brunt braud (brown bread). Desserts include vinarterta (layered prune-filled torte-cake) - $1.00, kleinur (Icelandic twisted doughnut) - 50 cents, pönnukökur (folded, sugar-filled, thin dessert pancake) - 75 cents; pönnukökur víd rjómi (fruit and cream filled dessert pancake) - $2.00.

Danish - Red River Danes - kringle (pastry), smorrebrod (rulle polse and havarti ost (cheese) open face sandwich), coleslaw.

Finnish - Minnesota Finnish-American Historical Society - pulla (cardamom bread) with cloudberry jam

Norwegian - Sons of Norway - rommegrot (cream mush).

Swedish - Swedish Society - risgrynsgrot (rice pudding), kjottbullar (meat balls), sill (herring), limpa (brown bread), knackebrod (hardtack).

SIX SITE TOUR
Booklets with maps and descriptions for a self-guided tour of several monuments memorializing notable Norwegians are available at any time at the Sons of Norway. More information on events page.

1859 LOG CABIN AND RED RIVER FOLK ART CENTER
315 South 4th Street, Moorhead, 218-581-3558. Housed in Moorhead's oldest building (1859) and featuring working folk artists, storytellers, and musicians. For the festival a special display of wood-carved Swedish Dala horses. Hours: Thursday, 22 June, 5-8 pm; Friday and Saturday, 23 & 24 June, 1-4 pm. Admission: FREE

THE ROURKE ART MUSEUM
521 Main Avenue, Moorhead, 218-236-8861. Feature exhibit etchings by the Swedish-American artist Birger Sandeen. Hours 1-5 pm, Thursday through Sunday. Admission: $2.00

THE ROURKE ART GALLERY
523 4th Street South, Moorhead, 218-236-886. Featured exhibit paintings by Eldrid Thorpe Running (1914-1987) and paintings, drawings, and prints by Cyrus M Running (1913-1976). Hours 1-5 pm, Thursday through Sunday. Admission: $2.00

FARGO PUBLIC LIBRARY
102 3rd Street North, Fargo, 701-241-1491, Nordic displays, Free

MOORHEAD PUBLIC LIBRARY
118 5th Street South, Moorhead, 218-233-7594, Icelandic displays, and, for the younger set, "The Most Beautiful and Best Educated Country in the World", a talk by Dr. George Johnson, Wednesday, June 21, at 2 pm. Free

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO (AS IF THE FESTIVAL ISN'T ENOUGH!)

Bonanzaville, USA, on the west edge of West Fargo, 1-701-282-822
Children's Museum at Yunker Farm, just southwest of Trollwood Park, 1201 28th Avenue North, Fargo 1-701-232-6102 http://www.childrensmuseum-yunker.org
Red River Valley Fairgrounds and Speedway, auto racing every Friday seasonally
FargoDome, north of North Dakota State University, 1800 University Drive North
Roger Maris Museum at West Acres, 3900 13th Avenue Southwest, Fargo
Plains Art Museum, 704 First Avenue North, Fargo
Clay County Museum and Archives, 202 First Avenue North, Moorhead
Comstock House, 506 8th Street South, Moorhead
or
Shop Til You Drop at West Acres or any of the other many shopping areas scattered throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area.

The Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival is a volunteer-oriented organization and is dependent on the good will and financial support of the community for its continued existence. If you would like to be included with the other sponsors of this annual celebration, please contact Bev Paulson at 1-218-233-8484 or at address above. To view a list of sponsors, click on the name SPONSORS

If you are a member of our community and would like to volunteer your assistance in any other manner, please know that the festival is always in dire need of help in many areas and your participation would be both welcome and appreciated.

Important Fargo-Moorhead Addresses and Phone Numbers
Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, Viking Park, and Stave Church, 202 First Avenue North, Moorhead, MN 56560, phone 1-218-299-5511
Moorhead Senior Center (at Hjemkomst), 1-218-299-5515
Clay County Historical Museum (at Hjemkomst), 1-218-299-5520
Sons of Norway, Kringen Lodge, 722 2nd Avenue North, Fargo, ND, 58102, phone 1-701-232-9222
Trollwood Park, 36th Avenue North and Elm Street or go north on Broadway to Kandi Lane, phone 1-701-241-8160
Gooseberry Mound Park, 100 22nd Avenue South, Moohead, MN, 1-218-299-5044
Lindenwood Park (camping available), Fifth Street and 17th Avenue South, Fargo, ND, 1-701-232-3987

The Icelandic National League, Robert Asgeirsson http://users.imag.net/~sry.rasgeirs/default.html

The Emigration from Iceland to North America, Halfdan Helgason http://nyherji.is/~halfdan/westward/vestur.htm

The Icelandic Embassy, Washington, DC http://www.iceland.org/

The Icelandic Website http://www.eldey.com/

Eye on Iceland, Roberta Olsen Kyle http://www.eyeoniceland.com/

Lögberg-Heimskringla, the Icelandic weekly newspaper, Winnipeg http://www.logberg.com/

IcelandAir, the Icelandic Airline http://www.icelandair.com/

To read about the Icelandic settlements in Dakota go to the webpage http://hometown.aol.com/arlans/myhomepage/dakota1.html

The web address for this webpage is http://hometown.aol.com/arlans/myhomepage/festival1.html

This web page is maintained as a courtesy to the Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival and will be updated periodically as further information becomes available. All errors are the responsibility of the author. Please address any corrections to

Page last updated 19 June 2000. Should you wish to be notified when this page is updated, please use the service provided below courtesy of NetMind.