The Stoughton Norwegian Summit Group, an informal group of Norwegian themed businesses, groups and organizations, builds a weekend of Norse opportunities around a signature event. The group was organized in 2011 under the leadership of Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge to bring “all those things Norwegian” together to help promote each other’s events, activities, businesses and organizations. The group helps promote two Destination Weekends each year and of course, all are busy Syttende Mai Weekend!
 
With COVID-19 affecting our February 2021 Destination Stoughton Weekend, we are providing an update on the events happening that weekend along with what the various members are doing during this time.
 
Events during Destination Weekend
 
Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers
The Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers will be doing a virtual Norse Afternoon of Fun on Sunday, February 14th.    The link will be posted on our Facebook page beginning at 1:30 that afternoon.    Here’s a link to that page…https://www.facebook.com/NorwegianDancers
 
The Dancers have launched an online raffle and invite anyone who wishes to have a chance at winning any of the really awesome 25 prizes, should visit the RallyUp site to purchase tickets at this link…. https://go.rallyup.com/norse2021. The drawing will be held live at the Koffee Kup on Sunday, February 14th at 3:00pm.   The site is very easy to navigate and payments are made online, however, should anyone need help with this, they should contact me at heimstaci@gmail.com and I will help them with this.  
 
The Dancers have been practicing, 7-8 dancers per practice, with masks on and social distancing in place, so no partner dancing yet.  We will showcase what we have done thus far this year at our Virtual Norse Afternoon of Fun.   There have been no performances and it’s been a hard year, but the dancers are keeping their spirits up the best they can.   The few practices we have had have helped a lot with morale. 
 
Viking Brew Pub- Viking Brew Pub a Valentine’s Special for Sunday the 14^th with a prime rib and salmon special, pre-orders only. Reservations required for both dine-in and to-go and made by Tuesday, Feb 9th. 
 
Nordic Nook- Nordic Nook is proud to support the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers and the Norse Afternoon of Fun! Our ongoing hours are: Tuesday-Friday 11am-3pm. We currently are holding our semi- annual clearance sale!
 
 
Updates from groups
 
Hardanger Classes- Donna Olson is teaching a virtual class through Madison College. Check their website for details or contact Donna at 608-873-9659.
 
Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library in Madison – NAGC & NL serves a worldwide audience by building and sharing stellar research collections, publishing useful and popular genealogical materials, and reaching out to all those who seek to know and venerate their Norwegian roots. They have been teaching virtual classes, providing programs for Sons of Norway and other group meetings, and are open to have people come in for research – but appointments are needed to keep under COVID-19 Dane County restrictions. Visit http://www.nagcnl.org/
 
Stoughton Opera House- The Opera House will continue to be closed for this weekend. We will be celebrating the 120 year anniversary of the first performance on February 22, but we’re still deciding on what will be both fun and safe for all involved.
 
Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge- Sons of Norway is a fraternal organization for all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds for those who have an interest in Norwegian heritage and culture. Visit with us about our events, membership, classes and youth activities. Due to indoor gathering limits, we haven’t had any inside events at the lodge. Our meeting programs are posted at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLevR2Moina2obwX-K_bDGoq8qXFK_aJ54   and we have been doing outdoor snow shoe and cross country ski events along with kubb last summer. We also have been promoting District virtual classes, Nordic News weekly cultural programs, and participation in small groups. http://sonsofnorway5.com/ is our District website. Facebook: Sons of Norway Stoughton WI.
 
Stoughton Chamber and Visitor Services- Is busy working on details for Syttende Mai Week with the various parts of the festival. They have been hosting virtual Lunch n Learn, providing information and resources to members and businesses, and continue to work hard to promote our community.
 
Edvard Grieg Chorus- The Chorus has not been meeting or practicing this year. Sangerfest will be held in Madison in June 2022.
 
Ygdrasil Literary Society- They have not had any meetings or events this year during the pandemic. They are hopeful to begin meeting again in the fall.
 
Wisconsin State Rosemaling Association- They have not been meeting or having classes or events. Plans for Syttende Mai are not determined yet.