Gratulerer med Syttende Mai!

(Happy Birthday Norway!)

On May 17th in 1814, Norway declared itself an independent nation.
In a historical twist of fate, the Second World War ended in Norway just nine days before that year's Constitution Day, on May 8, 1945, when the occupying German forces surrendered. As a 2nd generation Norwegian, I've always enjoyed celebrating this date. My parents first met each other at the local Sons Of Norway, Norse Hall; (a fortunate happenstance from my perspective.) Norse Hall remains as much a local, cultural fixture as ever and has enjoyed new popularity in recent years. From the outside, the old building looks like it always did, well kept and sturdy, but the lodge now hosts a library, with computer stations and an informative website. The ballroom is very well maintained and the "Oslo Lounge" is a friendly, well-lit establishment, were one can purchase a "Horny Viking" cocktail or a pint of "Erik the Red" beer to wash down an ice-cold shot of "Akvavit." The lodge also offers dance lessons and rents out to conventions, weddings and other special events. For me, every time I come back to Norse Hall is a bit of time travel experience. I still recall those huge New Years Eve parties and of course folk-dancing in the Children's Leikaringen. As a typical guy with two left feet, I have no idea how I ever pulled that off as a kid. Some of those Norwegian folk-dances are quite intricate!

This year for Syttende Mai, it was cool to see such a great turn-out. I brought my friend Chris with me. Even though he's only Swedish, he still enjoyed himself! ;-) The weather couldn't have been better; not too hot or cold. Along with the parade was an assembly of Norwegian "Fjord Horses" and Portland Police. The former was magnificent. The latter group looked a bit restless and bored; understandably.
However, it was nice to see the Local Police assisting the community in this way. They were friendly and professional.

Chris and I first visited the downstairs area, where the "authentic" norse food was being served. By the way, there was NO lutefisk offered on the menu. We both ordered a couple of "varme pølse" (tasty Norwegian hotdogs) before heading back upstairs to check out the parade and hang out in the "Olso Lounge." While there, I had the fortune of catching up with my Norsk language instructor, Mr Tom Bernie, from PSU and meeting some other nice folks, including Vidar, the official Norse Hall web master, who assisted in obtaining some pictures of a beautiful, (Swedish Bunad) ...Tusen takk, Vidar!! ;-)

Beyond this ramble, I'll let the pictures tell some of the rest...

Please click here for MORE PICTURES