On Saturday, March 23, all things Norwegian will be happening in Ballard, with the Leif to Leif 5k Run/Walk, Tastes of Norway, and Norwegian Heritage Day at the Leif Erikson Lodge.
The day will start with the annual Leif to Leif Run/Walk, which starts at the Leif Erikson Lodge, goes to the Leif Erikson Statue, and back to the lodge. Each runner/walker will receive a mini Norwegian flag and a heart-shaped waffle for participating. Costs to enter will be $20 for adults and $5 for children, with all proceeds benefitting the Ballard Senior Center. Registration will start at 8am, and the run starts at 9am, with an awards ceremony scheduled for 10:15am back at the Leif Erikson Lodge.
After the 5k, Tastes of Norway and Norwegian Heritage Day celebrations will be at the lodge all day. They’ll have music, demonstrations of traditional foods and crafts, and raffle prizes throughout the day.
There will be artists demonstrating woodcarving and rosemaling, homemade goods such as Norna Ladies’ embroidered tea towels, and kids crafts activities hosted by Kristina and Sigrid Strombo. And, genealogist Eric Jorgensen will be giving advice and tips on how to trace your Norwegian ancestry.
The Norwegian folk costumes — bunader — will be shown during the Bunad Parade at 12:30pm. Anyone wearing a traditional costume is invited to participate in the parade.
Here’s the schedule for the day:
- 10:30: Music by the Sølje Sisters
- 11:30: Sprida Ut
- 12:30-1:00 Bunad tog/parade with commentary by Jody Grage
- 1:30: Norwegian Ladies Chorus singing songs of Norway and favorite American songs.
- 2:30-3PM: Barneleikarringen
Admission to the event is free and the event is open to the public. Free parking is available at the Banner Bank.