Syttende Mai (or the 17th of May) marks Norway’s declaration of independence and is a celebration of the 1814 signing of Norway’s constitution and independence from Sweden. This day is also called Constitution Day and National Day and is a great spring festival in Norway. Since many of us in this area are here because our Norwegian ancestors settled this area when first arriving from Norway, it has been our custom to acknowledge this holiday as well. The celebration of this day began spontaneously among students and others from early on. However Norway was at that time under Swedish rule (following the Convention of Moss in August 1814) and for some years the King of Sweden was reluctant to allow the celebrations. After 1864, the day became more established, and the first children’s promenade was launched in Christiana, in a parade consisting only of boys. It was only in 1899 that girls were allowed to join in the parade for the first time.
Wanamingo has celebrated in various ways for years, but the ongoing traditions have been a Lutefisk Dinner at Lands Church, a pancake breakfast put on by the Lions Club at the Community Center, and a Citywide Garage Sale sponsored by the Commercial Club. The proposed celebration this year will take place from the 16th to the 18th of May. If you choose to participate in the garage sale, you may sign up at the City offices or at Wanamingo Mutual. For questions about the sign up, please contact Beth Smith at (507) 824-2912, or send her an email at b.smith@wgomutual.com. She will also have more info on the other activities as she gets confirmation from the other sponsors. If you sign up for the garage sale, you will be put on a map of the sales in town that can be found at various businesses in town. Sign up deadline is May 14th, but early registration is suggested to be sure there is enough participation to make this a city wide event, and get the maps printed! If so, the flyers will be out by May 15th.
Another tradition started by Tina and Brent Leinenger is the Katie Peterson Memorial 5K Walk/Run/Jog. This year the event will take place on May 24th, due to scheduling conflicts. Contact Tina for more info as we get closer to the date for registration and other details. Registration is $25.00, and the race will start at the Community Center at 9 am.
All events will be posted on the Wanamingo website as decisions are made, so as we get closer to this event, check in to see what activities will be added, and if you have ideas of your own, the Commercial Club would love to hear them!
