Celebration honors efforts to build bonds
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Minot honored two individuals Monday, Aug. 24, who have strengthened ties between the local community and Norway through their work over many years with Norsk Hostfest.
The occasion was an opportunity to congratulate Pam Davy, a recipient of the Medal of St. Olaf, which was presented July 3 in Medora by Anniken Huitfeldt, Norway's ambassador to the United States. Davy had served as the long-time executive director for Norsk Hostfest, which ran from 1978-2025.
The Medal of St. Olaf was founded by King Haakon VII in 1939 to recognize service in advancing knowledge of Norway abroad and for strengthening the bonds between expatriate Norwegians and their descendants and their country of residence.
Honored with Davy was Rolf Haugen, a former city manager for Minot’s Sister City, Skien, Norway. Haugen has made 32 trips to Minot from Norway and was frequently in attendance at the annual Norsk Hostfest.
Haugen, who was among a group of Skien and Telemark leaders who nominated Davy for the Medal of St. Olaf, said the medal belongs to the highest category of awards, reserved for individuals who have shown exceptional service in strengthening the bonds between Norway and the world.
"It's not given often and it's never given without deep gratitude from the Norwegian people," he said. "To receive this medal, one must have demonstrated dedication, integrity and a lifelong commitment to building bridges."
He called Davy the steady hand and guiding spirit of Norsk Hostfest. Working with Hostfest President Chester Reiten and later David Reiten, she helped grow the festival from a regional celebration into the largest Scandinavian culture festival in the United States.
"Pam did this with almost no stuff but thousands of volunteers. Pam has been the quiet pillar. While others may have stood more visible in the spotlight, it has always been Pam who ensured that the work was done, that the volunteers were valued and that the Hostfest continued to thrive year after year," Haugen said.
Davy spoke to say she would not have agreed to the celebration without the inclusion of a tribute to Haugen.
"Over the years I called him countless times for advice and for information and for help. And many times he wasn't in Norway. He was in some corner of the world. And no matter what the time zone, no matter where he was, he picked up the phone and he helped me, and I am grateful for that," she said.
She also acknowledged the presence at the program of Norway native Rolf Stang, a retired vocal coach from New York and now of Minot, who also contributed to Norsk Hostfest's success. He received the Medal of St. Olaf in 1995.
Haugen was presented with a Scandinavian Heritage Park-themed ornament painted by Minot artist EJ Rose and a North Dakota hoodie, among other gifts.
The program included presentations by Minot Mayor Mark Jantzer; Brekka Kramer, President/CEO of Minot Area Chamber EDC; Norsk Hostfest volunteer Duane Brekke, representing the coffee klatch informally known as the Know-it-all Club; and former Hostfest President David Reiten.
"She was so good at what she did," Reiten said of Davy's contributions to Hostfest. "You just saw her integrity, her willingness to work hard, to always make it better, and to increase the cooperation between Norway and America, and Skien and the city of Minot."