The Norsk Hostfest Association is seeking its next executive director.

The association states it is recruiting a dynamic leader with a strong passion for Scandinavian heritage and culture to lead the association through its future growth, successful festivals and sustainability.

The association had been contracting with EPIC Events to manage Norsk Hostfest, but the entities mutually decided to discontinue that relationship due to internal changes occurring within EPIC Companies.

“Part of our new direction going forward is finding a visionary new leader for Norsk Hostfest. This leadership opportunity presents itself with the potential to build the festival from the ground up, create new content and activities at the festival and strengthen community engagement,” said John Mackner, president of the Norsk Hostfest Association.

The mission of the nonprofit Norsk Hostfest is to celebrate, preserve and deepen the impact of Scandinavian culture and heritage in the social fabric and economy of the Minot region. Program focus areas include Hostfest in the Schools, Scandinavian Youth Camp, the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame, Skien-Minot sister city relationship and Norsk Hostfest. The festival also crowns Miss Norsk Hostfest each year and holds trips to Denbigh for the annual wreath-laying ceremony honoring Sondre Norheim.

The 45th annual Norsk Hostfest is slated for Sept. 25-28.