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Fjord Folk Fest carries on tradition

By HANNAH VELASQUEZ 3 min read

Fjord Folk Fest brought the community together Friday, Aug. 21, for a celebration of Scandinavian heritage, featuring cultural performances, food, vendors and artisans.

Attendees embraced their roots throughout the first day of the festival, with many wearing traditional clothing and sharing their stories and connections to Scandinavian culture.

Following the closure of the nearly 50-year old Norsk Hostfest, Fjord Folk Fest was created with a determination to keep the traditions alive in Minot. For previous long-time attendees, such as mother and daughter Iona Loken and Jackie Schmaltz, the celebration provides a way to maintain a connection to their culture.

"I attended Norsk fest for almost 40 years, so this is a continuation of celebrating my heritage. I'm 100 percent Norwegian," Loken said.

Founder and executive director Amber Grause said the festival took five months to organize. While some community members initially were hesitant, Grouse said support grew as plans developed.

"There was some hesitation we experienced because they didn't know me or what we would produce. So as more developed, and they saw Absolute Studios, our marketing put more out, and it was like this is really happening," Grause said. "The community really valued it from that point on and so we're really grateful for the support."

Grause and other participants said Fjord Folk Fest provides an opportunity for families to come together and pass down traditions as well as create new ones. It is a way to introduce visitors and other members of the community to something they can carry with them and pass down.

"Its really special when you have something local for people who come to town to visit and experience," Stacy McMahon, owner and operator of Kamiva Organics. "Something made completely by hand, it’s something that honors culture and it means something. It's not just about honoring old traditions. It’s about welcoming new ones."

Jenny Lock, a volunteer for the event, said that Fjord Folk Fest represents the continuation of a tradition that she grew up with.

"Growing up and going to the fest every year was a part of my life. It's been really neat being able to see somebody pick it back up again,” she said.

From attendees to event organizers and performers, the festival’s emphasis on community and connection is similarly important as it celebrates Scandinavian heritage and culture.

Kevin Burckhard, the stage emcee, said his favorite part of his job has been connecting people.

"I've been coming to Norsk Hostfest for about 40 years and was involved in every position," Burckhard explained. "My favorite job at the festival is my current one, the emcee. It's not so much that I like to hear my voice. I just like being able to connect people."

From those who are involved with Fjord Folk Fest, the advice they left for first-time participants was simple: show up and get involved.

"Meet new people and talk to people," Lock said. "It seems like everyone you run into has a connection to Scandinavian heritage. We just want the community to love it just as much as we do."

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