Destination Stoughton- A Norwegian Weekend of Fun 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! Our “featured” event: The Stoughton Norwegian Dancers- Norse Afternoon of Fun 2023 On Sunday, February 5th, the internationally known Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers will present their annual “Norse Afternoon of Fun” at 1:30 p.m. in the Stoughton High School gymnasium, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Stoughton, WI. While celebrating their 70th year, the Dancers will present their answer to “cabin fever.” The combination of colorful Norwegian costumes, rousing music, and exuberant Scandinavian folk dancing produces the necessary elements to relieve the “winter-time blues”. Members of the audience are encouraged to wear their Norwegian bunads or sweaters. This lively group of dancers will present a program which includes humorous dances, gymnastics, skits and audience participation dances. A bake sale featuring Norwegian lefse and desserts is also part of the afternoon activities as well as the announcement of the Community Appreciation Award and 2023 Syttende Mai Royalty. The admission for adults is $8.00 at the door. Admission for children under 14 is $1.00. Admission tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $5 at the Chamber of Commerce, McGlynn Pharmacy, Nordic Nook and Stoughton Lumber. There will be a Raffle for 25 amazing prizes as well as a silent auction, auctioning off beautiful items, handcrafted from previous dancer bunads. This is a unique offering for our 70th anniversary celebration. The program appeals to all ages. Bring the children and grandparents. Make your attendance at the “Norse Afternoon of Fun” a family event. Other events and happenings in Stoughton that weekend include Sons of Norway’s weekly video lecture series on Thursday, February 2. The lodge is located at 317 South Page Street in Stoughton. The free lecture videos produced by The Great Courses cover lectures from the The Vikings by Professor Kenneth W. Hart and Norse Mythology presented by Jackson Crawford. That week we will be showing “First Humans, the Nine Realms, and Yggdrasil” and “The Norse Gods”. The lectures will continue through June 22. Lectures will be held downstairs at Sons of Norway, there is no charge, and no reservations are needed. Livsreise, the Norwegian Heritage Center at 277 W. Main has works from the Vesterheim’s collection still on display. On Feb. 3 and 4 Livsreise will be open our normal hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but will be closed on Sunday, February 5. Livsreise includes interpretations of the immigrant journey from Norway, and features the cultural heritage brought to Stoughton along with sharing stories of individual immigrants. Featured now in our small gallery is an exhibit of paintings by the Norwegian emigrant painter, Herbjørn Nilson Gaustå. This exhibit is on loan from the Vesterheim, Norwegian American Museum in Decorah, IA. In celebration of winter, Livreise is also presenting a short-term display titled “The Selbu Mitten- the Star Mitten of Norway.” On Sunday, the Summit Groups will have displays in the hallway at Norse Afternoon of Fun. They will include the Norwegian American Genealogical Center & Naeseth Library in in Madison highlighting their research collections, classes, programs, genealogy assistance, and other services. 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. Stoughton Chamber and Visitor Services- Pick up your Stoughton Visitors Map and new Syttende Mai flyers! Livsreise, the Norwegian Heritage Center- Will have information about their facility and exhibits. Hardanger Classes- Donna Olson will have information about Hardanger embroidery, displays, and class information. Stoughton Historical Society- Will have information about the Stoughton Historical Society and membership. Koshkonong Prairie Historical Society- Will have information about the Koshkonong Prairie Historical Society and membership.