Norwegian Statehood Pioneer Project Participating Organization Meetings
The morning hours are set aside for those organizations who want to have a meeting in Rochester. Individual organizations will be able to provide more information this summer.
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Banquet
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Norwegian-Minnesotan Sesquicentennial Celebration
Celebrating Norwegian-Minnesotan Heritage
On October 18th, we'll gather in the
Ballroom at the Marriott Hotel in Rochester for a day long celebration of
Norwegian-Minnesotan roots. You don't have to have a Pioneer Ancestor
- or even have Norwegian ethnic heritage - to enjoy this day of good entertainment, good food, a little education and
(hopefully) lots of fun!
Details about the day's events will be added to the links at the top of this page as plans are finalized. We have a brochure available that you can print and pass along to friends and family.
Afternoon Program
At noon a Display Area will open. A map of Minnesota showing where all of our Norwegian Statehood Pioneers were living in May of 1858 will greet those entering the venue. We hope to have a number of displays and demonstrations that reflect Norwegian communities in 1858.
The main program will begin at 1 PM. We're pleased to announce that Dr. Odd S. Lovoll will give our keynote address. There will also be remarks by Norwegian-Minnesotans and some traditional musical entertainment. The highlight of the afternoon program will be a "Call of the Roll" of Norwegian Statehood Pioneers. We'll end the afternoon laughing with "Those Lutheran Ladies," Janet Martin and Suzann Nelson. Tickets for the afternoon program are $11 in advance, $12 at the door. Discounts are available for groups.
Evening Banquet
Following a cocktail hour at 5 PM, the Celebration banquet will offer a great meal with Norwegian trimmings. The deadline for reservations is October 5, 2008. Reservations are $27/person. Attendees in Bunads (the traditional dress of Norway) are encouraged to wear them and participate in our Bunad Parade. We'll share some good conversation and good food to round out the day! The Minnesota Scandinavian Ensemble will provide our toe-tappin' chuckle-inducing evening's entertainment.
