Summer Festival Season Kicks off with Synttendai Mai in Stoughton
(2020 Synttende Mai photo courtesy of Stoughton Chamber of Commerce)
On 17 May, 1814 Norway’s constitution (the third oldest in the world) was signed into law. The document created aimed to declare independence for the Norwegian people even though at this point in the country’s tumultuous history they were bound by political maneuverings to a joint alliance with Sweden ruled by King Oscar. Every year since 1951 descendants of Stoughton’s Norwegian immigrants and the larger community get together and celebrate the 17th of May or Synttende Mai.
The 2021 version of this popular weekend-long celebration in Stoughton will look a bit different than in previous years due to the CDC’s and Dane County’s guidelines for outdoor events. “A lot is different. Obviously not a lot of in person events like rosemåling and the parade, events tab steaming content, “ says Callie LaPoint Events and Visitor Services Manager at the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has hosted the event for 67 years.
The opening ceremony will be streamed Friday at 6:00 pm online at
www.StoughtonFestivals.com. While many events are being streamed online there are still events you can visit in person. The Quilt
show in person Quilt Show and Hardanger Embroidery Exhibit will still go on as planned at the Chorus Public House. The Village Players Theater and Viking Games Strongmen Competition will also be in person. All the events mentions will require the purchase of a booster button. The great about the button is that wearing one while you stroll shops in downtown Stoughton affords you the chance to be entered into various drawings to win great prizes. This promotion of downtown businesses is another one of the great ideas the Chamber came up with. If you decide to attend any of the in person events remember to mask up and practice social distancing when possible.
One hybrid event noted coming out of the pandemic is Synttende Mai's parade. The 2021 version allows visitors to drive their cars along the route.
There are so many events planned online that it be best to visit https://www.stoughtonfestivals.com/streamed-events for more details about each calendar date.
