SYTTENDE MAI ON SATURDAY

Norwegian Constitution Day is known in Norwegian as "Syttende Mai", or May 17th in English.

Meet Norwegian fjord horses, take part in one of the biggest ethnic parades in the US, and get down with Norwegian folk dancing 'till midnight. Seriously. This Saturday is one of Blackbird's favorite events. The parade ends right in front of our store and it's packed with bizarre floats and generations of Norwegians showing their pride. They've been doing it since 1889 so you know it must be good. Uff da.

See the schedule of events below or for more details see the official website. Come celebrate - Norwegian heritage and costume not required.

10:30am - 3pm: Public Performances
Bergen Place
corner of 22nd Ave & Market St.
Watch acts from accordionists "Nordic Reflections", violinists Anna & Ingrid, and many more.


10am - 1pm: Norwegian Fjord Horses
Nordic Heritage Museum
3014 NW 67th Street
They're one of the world's oldest and purest breeds, and you get to meet them for free.


1pm - 3pm: Children's Games (Barneleker)
Ballard Community Center
6020 28th Avenue NW
Children get to play Norwegian and American games for free. Plus awards and a surprise guest.


12pm - 2pm: Lunch
Leif Erikson Hall
2245 NW 57th Street
Hang out with the event's Grand Marshal for 2008, Norwegian singer Hanna Krogh, and eat baked salmon for $25. Yum.


3pm - 5pm: PARADE!
start - NW 62nd & 24th Ave NW
finish - Bergen Place
Join in and sing the national anthem: "Ja, vi elsker dette landet" ("Yes, we love this country") or simply "Hurra for Syttende Mai" ("Hooray for the Seventeenth of May").


6pm: Dinner
Nordic Heritage Museum (NHM)
3014 NW 67th Street
Dinner will be served at the museum, which will keep its exhibits open for guests, and Hanna Krogh will be there, too. $45, tickets available at Viking Bank ($50 at the door).


7pm: Norwegian Folk Dance Class
8pm - Midnight: Open Dance
Leif Erikson Hall
2245 NW 57th
Dance to music from the live band Miles from Chicago for $20, with beer and wine available (21 & up).