Join the excitement at this year’s Norsk Høstfest with a plethora of engaging activities and unique opportunities! Experience the thrill of a Lutefisk Eating Competition, be captivated by The Bunad Show and the Bunad Parade, and participate in the thrilling Scandi Smorgasbord contest. Don’t miss out on the fun – be a part of the festivities and create lasting memories at the upcoming festival!
Høstfest guests are invited to model their Bunad (traditional folk costume) or provide Bunads for others to model to promote the festival’s heritage. Folk costumes from all Nordic countries are welcome. Last year’s shows and parades were spectacular with participants ranging throughout four Nordic generations.
RETURNING FOR A SECOND YEAR: THE BUNAD PARADE! Models will gather by the restrooms in Oslo Hall at 10:45 a.m. each day they want to participate in the Bunad Parade. The parade will take place throughout the NORSK HØSTFEST festival halls. The parade will start at 11:00 a.m. and end back in Oslo Hall with the Bunad Show starting at 11:30 a.m. Romayne Kilde (Bunad Show Coordinator romayne@thenordicheart.com) will line up the models.
To participate in the show, please follow the steps by signing up at hostfest.com/about/volunteering/ to complete/update your volunteer profile. You will then be directed to the Jobs & Shifts page to choose the day(s) you want to model for the show(s). If you’re donating a Bunad, please contact Teresa. See her information below. After we receive your participant confirmation, you will receive an email regarding your Bunad story. For those that participated last year, your description is on file. For new models, you will be sent a link to the Bunad description form.
If you have a Bunad(s), please contact Teresa at the Hostfest office at 701.852.2368 ext. 3 by Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Experience the ultimate culinary showdown at the Lutefisk Eating Competition, a highlight of Norsk Høstfest held in Oslo Hall! Contestants from all corners gather to indulge in this traditional Norwegian dish, known for its unique preparation involving lye-soaked fish. Witness contestants push their taste buds to the limit as they vie for the coveted title of Lutefisk Champion. It’s a spectacle of gastronomic bravery, cultural celebration, and a must-see event for those craving a taste of Norway’s culinary traditions. The competition will take place daily during the festival in Oslo Hall.
The Nordic Kitchen cooking demonstrations at Norsk Høstfest are a popular attraction that offers visitors a chance to experience Scandinavian cuisine in a unique and exciting way. The demonstrations feature professional chefs who are experts in preparing traditional Scandinavian dishes, from smoked salmon to meatballs and everything in between. The chefs share their knowledge and techniques with the audience, offering tips on how to cook and serve the dishes at home. The demonstrations are not just informative but also entertaining, as the chefs are known to engage the audience with their humor and personality.
Visitors to Norsk Høstfest can expect to learn about the unique flavors and ingredients of Scandinavian cuisine while being entertained by the charismatic chefs. The Nordic Kitchen cooking demonstrations are a great way to learn about Scandinavian culture and discover new and exciting dishes to add to your culinary repertoire.
PREVIOUS YEAR’S CHEFS
Stig Hansen
Born in Denmark and after 40 years abroad he is now living back in Denmark cooking for international guests at Hotel Randers. Hansen has been helping people across the world explore, discover or rediscover Danish culinary heritage. Learn how to dish up delicious servings of authentic Danish cooking with Old World recipes. He is the author of the award-winning cookbook: Cooking Danish, A taste of Denmark.
Patrice Johnson
Patrice Johnson is a self-described Nordic food geek and meatball historian. From lutfisk to waffles, she loves to spin traditional Nordic recipes into the modern fare. Patrice is the author of Land of 10,000 Plates: Stories and Recipes from Minnesota and Jul: Swedish American Holiday Traditions. She lives in Roseville, Minnesota with her husband and three rambunctious cats, and teaches Nordic cooking classes throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.
Kristi Bissell
Kristi Bissell is the founder of True North Kitchen, a Nordic food blog designed for the American home cook. She enjoys creating recipes that celebrate her Scandinavian heritage and that approach traditional Nordic ingredients in a modern, fresh and approachable way.
Kristi is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska. She attended the Institute for the Culinary Arts in Omaha and is a self-taught photographer. She is the food editor for The Norwegian American newspaper and a frequent contributor to Nordstjernan, The Swedish Newspaper of America. Kristi also teaches Scandinavian cooking and baking classes at the Vesterheim Folk Art School and the American Swedish Institute.
This featured event offers a unique opportunity for festivalgoers to delve into Scandinavian culture through a series of lectures, workshops, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re interested in history, art, cuisine, or language, this educational program provides a fascinating journey into the heart of the Nordic traditions that inspire the festival.
Stay tuned for this year’s Norsk Høstfest University Activities!
Vendors enter the Scandi Smorgasbord contest and showcase your culinary prowess! We’re on the lookout for the most creative, authentic, and outstanding dish to be judged at the festival.
Participating vendors will enjoy enhanced visibility, including a banner outside your booth, additional media mentions, and special guest visits throughout the festival. Our distinguished panel of judges, including City of Minot Mayor Tom Ross, Studio 701 host, and a dedicated sponsor representative, will evaluate the delectable entries.
Stay tuned for details on Scandi Smorgasbord applications, opening soon in anticipation of the festival.
Each day of the festival, one Mystery Viking will be roaming The Great Hall with $100 cash to give out to the first person who locates them!
How do you locate this mysterious seafarer you ask?
Well, your job is to go around The Great Hall and ask people “Hey, Hi, Where ya from?”. Not only is this the way to find our Viking, but also a great way to meet and get to know fellow festivalgoers!
