Get ready to travel East of the Sun and West of the Moon! You might meet a talking pancake, outsmart a tricky troll, or strike up a bargain with the West Wind. Stories from Sweden will delight the young and young-at-heart. “Deliciously imaginative” storyteller, Rose Arrowsmith, weaves theatre, poetry, and even Swedish folksongs into her stories. She has been getting even the most midwestern audiences to growl, howl, and clap along in her interactive performances since 2001.

Listen to the legend of Prillar-Guri, a girl who used her lur to win a war– and learn to play the lur yourself. Youth will be given their own lur to use and take home. Originally from Minot, Joan has taught at Linfield University and George Fox University. You can hear her sounding her iconic birch bark-wrapped horn throughout the festival to introduce dignitaries and events. 

The Rinat Mouzafarov Classical Ballet Company is a non-profit classical ballet company dedicated to providing Minot and the surrounding area access to high level, classical ballet through educational classes and performances.

A regular of the Hostfest’s Viking Village since 2012, Erik Halfdan is an expert on axes, swords, and spears, oh my! Come learn the difference between Norse Iron age tools and Viking Weapons. 

Nordstär Nyckelharpa, Säckpipa, & Flute: a musical time machine through Sweden’s history with three unique instruments — the nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle), säckpipa, and wooden flutes. Renee and Laura bring old tunes to life for kids and grown-ups alike!

Meet the man behind the classic tale “The Ugly Duckling,” Hans Christian Andersen, portrayed by Rolf Stang. Get up close and personal, take a selfie, and leave with a dose of encouragement to be true to your inner swan.

Rolf Kristian Stang has dedicated much of his life to the presentation and interpretation of Nordic culture in the United States. He has received recognition as a charismatic figure, writer, language teacher, translator, vocal-repertoire coach, composer, character actor and singer. Rolf was knighted by The Norwegian Crown, King Harald V for his role as an important tradition bearer in 1998. He received the St. Olaf Medal of Honor. He also has been inducted into the Scandinavian American Hall of Fame, 1997. In the Millennium year, 2000, he was the recipient of the Sons of Norway Leif Eriksson Citation.

Ross and Gretchen lead youth and families in traditional singing games from Sweden. Get ready to hop like frogs, dance like pigs, pretend to play the fiddle and ride hobby horses around the stage.

Kris Meyer is a storyteller, educator, and counselor. As a storyteller, she enjoys audiences of all ages. She offers her stories with inspiration, a quick wit, a warm spirit, and lots of energy. Kris’s stories grow out of folklore, human experiences that teach an understanding of life, and things conjured up in a vivid imagination. Her love of Nordic folklore, particularly troll stories, grew as she sat by the knees of her storytelling father and grandma. Kris is an experienced keynote speaker, workshop presenter, and retreat leader. She’s presented throughout the Midwest as well as in Sweden and China.

Two masters of Scandinavian music transport listeners from church hall to music hall, with lively tunes and songs on accordion, guitar, and banjo. The concert includes music from Sweden and Norway with a wide variety of selections, as well as history, jokes and stories. This is a free concert and all ages are welcome

Hardanger fiddle maker Robert Larsen showcases his instruments, shares their history, and answers audience questions. His father, a fiddler, emigrated from Norway, and Robert apprenticed at age 14 to the Norwegian-American violin maker Gunnar Gunnarsson Helland. He has been featured on Prairie Public Television and has a booth at the festival.

Ginny and Mikkel demonstrate a myriad of dances across the Nordic countries– and are eager teachers for all who want to learn. Mikkel adds accordion and mouth harp, and Clif Nesseth, of Ole Olssons Old Time Orkestra, accompanies on hardanger fiddle. 

David Susag began turning ale bowls on a spring pole lathe in 2014. He replicates these functional, traditional bowls using historic techniques and hand tools. David has a booth at the festival.

The Rinat Mouzafarov Classical Ballet Company is a non-profit classical ballet company dedicated to providing Minot and the surrounding area access to high level, classical ballet through educational classes and performances.

The Rinat Mouzafarov Classical Ballet Company is a non-profit classical ballet company dedicated to providing Minot and the surrounding area access to high level, classical ballet through educational classes and performances.

These Viking ladies invite youth of all ages to play, sing, dance, and explore Norse gods, magic ravens, and the sleepy bear. Hide from Finnish elves, call on warrior women, and slay a giant crow. Cow horn and sheep bone flute weave it all together.

Kari is a runes and Norse myth expert whose nature instruments fascinate young and old. Carol leads Nordic dance in the Twin Cities and beyond, the way her father taught her to do. These long time friends love to sing, dance, and play together across the timeline of their shared Norwegian heritage.