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Volunteers with First Lutheran Church were serving rommegrot Friday at the first Fjord Folk Fest, just as church volunteers did for many years at the previous Norsk Hostfest. Hostfest ended a long run after its 2025 event.
Fjord Folk Fest bears similarities to Norsk Hostfest, including many of the same vendors selling food and other goods.
First Lutheran Church has been involved with previous Scandinavian festivals, such as the Ethnic Food Fest as well as Norsk Hostfest. The church was founded by Lutheran Scandinavians, originally hosting services in Norwegian, said Carolyn Bodell, one of the volunteers working with the church booth.
She said it is important to keep Scandinavian culture alive and to share it with new generations, especially since there is a high population of residents with Scandinavian ancestry in the North Dakota area. Bodell said she has roots in Scandinavian culture, as her grandmother was from Norway.
She also explained that one of the best parts of working at the festival is "seeing smiling faces."
Fjord Folk Fest had both craft demonstrations and lessons, so there was something new to learn for everyone.
The festival continues Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m.-10 p.m.