A former Miss Norsk Hostfest has launched an effort to keep the essence of Norsk Hostfest alive.

Amber Grause of Bismarck, who has a long family tradition with Hostfest and served as Miss Norsk Hostfest in 2007, is encouraging people who want to see the festival continue in some form to show their support.

She is seeking to raise $25,000 through GoFundMe and has been talking with the Scandinavian Heritage Association and others about the options following the recent decision of the Norsk Hostfest Board of Directors to discontinue the festival. The board cited rising operational costs and declining attendance. The festival was founded in 1978 by the late Chester Reiten as a celebration of Scandinavian culture.

“The goal is really just to try to carry on some of those traditions that so many of us have cherished memories of,” Grause said. “There’s a lot of moving pieces, but I have had an overwhelming amount of support and some really great contacts with people that have been long-time Hostfest organizers that are reaching out with support and suggestions. So, I’m optimistic for what could be.”

Fundraising is being conducted to help efforts get started and possibly acquire storage to preserve Hostfest decorations and other items for future use, she said.

Whether a festival will be organized for this fall hasn’t been ruled out. The reality is a festival would start small, with room to grow, Grause said. The feedback from supporters is they want to shop and eat and are less concerned about big-name entertainment. There may be new opportunities for hands-on classes in traditions such as making lefse and rosemaling, to celebrate the heritage and teach younger generations, she said.

“We’ll just have to see what falls into place,” Grause said. “I feel like something is better than nothing to keep the excitement going.”

Grause recalled the excitement of camping at Hostfest with her family and making connections over the years with other festival-goers who became lifelong friends. It’s those connections she wants to preserve.

“This is a special time of unity and community, and people have likemindedness. It’s the pride for the culture and heritage that we get to celebrate,” she said.

Anyone interested in learning more can connect with Save Norsk Hostfest’s Traditions on social media.