For the second year in a row, the Syttende Mai parade in Ballard is canceled, but several other small celebrations will be happening around the neighborhood on Monday, May 17 to honor Norwegian Constitution Day.
Here are a few public events you can join on Syttende Mai:
Virtual Syttende Mai Luncheon: The 17th of May Committee will be hosting an online gala celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday with a full line-up of entertainment including appearances from the Mayor Marte Mjøs Persen from Seattle’s Sister City Bergen; Eric Nelson, CEO, National Nordic Museum; Ambassador Anniken R. Krutnes from the Royal Norwegian Embassy; plus a special greeting from His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. They’ll be showing memories from past Syttende Mai celebrations, and a sing-along of Constitution Day song favorites.
You can pre-order a lunch from Scandinavian Specialties for two to watch during the online celebration; each Luncheon Box will contain servings for two of soup, sliced meats, cheeses, smoked salmon, herring, breads, crackers, desserts, two Solo, two 17th of May pins, and “maybe a surprise or two.”
17th of May Procession: A group of people will be making their way from Scandinavian Specialties (6719 15th Ave NW) to Skål Beer Hall on foot, starting at 5 p.m. The procession will stop at Leif Erikson Lodge for music, dessert, and coffee from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. before making its way to Skål.
Syttende Mai at Skål Beer Hall: Celebrations will be happening throughout the day on Monday at Skål, with traditional live music, aquavit snaps, Norwegian-inspired beers, raffle prizes, and “special perks for those who come in their bundas” from noon to 10 p.m. They’ll have their front window open for aquavit shots and pølse all day. Neighboring businesses La Carta de Oaxaca and Hot Cakes will be opening up their outdoor seating for Skål customers for the whole day. The outdoor space will be open to all ages, but the inside seating will be 21+. Skål will donate 10 percent of Monday’s sales to the Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge in Ballard.
Syttende Mai Car Parade: Similar to last year, a small group of people will be driving through and around the neighborhood with decorated cars and dressed-up passengers. They’ll be making their way around Ballard between 4pm and 5pm, so keep an eye out and let out a Hipp Hipp Hurra! if you see them coming by.
National Nordic Museum Festivities: The Nordic will be opening for a full day of celebrations on Monday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Along with specials in their Museum Store, the Nordic will also be decorating their historic Model T in full Norwegian bunting for photo opportunities for guests. To visit the museum, be sure to reserve your timed ticket online in advance.
Polse og Lompe and other treats at Scandinavian Specialties: Ballard’s Scandinavian Specialties will be selling Pølse med Lompe (a Norwegian Hot Dog) and other goodies all day in their parking lot, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Drive/walk-through dessert and coffee at the Leif Erikson Lodge: From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Leif Erikson Lodge (2245 NW 57th St) will be selling Blødtkake and krumkake, with Scandinavian folk tunes by the Sølje Sisters.
For a full line-up of events, visit the 17th of May Committee’s website.
File photo of Syttende Mai parade in 2018.
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