Saturday, March 24 is the Leif-to-Leif 5K Fun Run/Walk, Norwegian Cultural Heritage Day, and Taste of Norway celebration at the Leif Erickson Lodge in Ballard (2245 NW 57th St). The race goes from the Leif Erickson Lodge to the Leif Erickson statue at Shilshole and back.
The Norwegian Cultural Heritage Day and Taste of Norway will offer traditional Norwegian food, such as lapskaus, rømmergrøt, krumkake, lefse, vafler (waffles), various smørbrød (open-faced sandwiches) and desserts all day at a “nominal” cost. In addition, Norwegian handicrafts (such as rosemaling; wheat weaving; knitting, rug tying; chip, figure and/or relief carving) will be demonstrated, along with live music, song and dance presentations. The event will even feature a genealogy table where people with Norwegian ancestry can find out more about their family roots. Numerous Scandinavian gifts will be for sale and raffles will run throughout the day for gift certificates, cod fish and a “beautifully handcrafted doll donated by Valborg Norbo.” At 3:00 p.m. there will be a bunad parade with men, women and children wearing traditional Norwegian clothing with cultural commentary.
The schedule for the day is as follows:
- 8:00 a.m. Registration for the Leif-to-Leif Fun Run/Walk
- 9:00 a.m. Race (beginning at the Leif Erikson Lodge with a course marked to the Leif Erikson Statue at Shilsole and return)
- 10:00 a.m. Ribbons awarded to race winners (all participants get waffles and Norwegian flag)
- 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Heritage Day and Taste of Norway at the Leif Erikson Lodge with several demonstrations of food preparation and crafts throughout the day
Throughout the day will be musical performances by local musicians and the Norwegian Ladies Chorus. Admission to the event is free.
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