(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.
Thankfully the 2021 version of this popular weekend-long celebration in Stoughton is in the past. “A lot is different. Obviously not a lot of in person events like rosemåling and the parade, events tab steaming content, “ said 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 was streamed at www.StoughtonFestivals.com. While many events were streamed online with some in person events. Now we're open for business, 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.
What would Stoughton's Synttende Mai be without sampling authentic, homemade food?
Try the Norwegian Sampler Platter (2 meatballs, 1 varme pølse, ready to eat lefse) served up by Norwegian Dancer Parents
Location: W. Main & S. Division Street
Time: Friday 5pm - 8pm, Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 11am - 3pm
Like Door County, Stoughton's Synttende Mai features a fish boil! Pre-order only or carry out put on by Sons of Norway - Mandt Lodge
317 S. Page Street
Friday Fish Boil 5pm:
If you have a sweet tooth and are in the mood for packages of lefse and donuts, rømmegrøt, and riskrem the Sons of Norway got you covered.
Saturday Bake Sale 9am - 4pm
LAKES NEARBY:
LAKE KEGONSA
Lake Kegonsa is the southern-most lake in the Yahara River chain of lakes formed when debris was left by a retreating glacier 12,000-15,000 years ago. The name Kegonsa is attributed to the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Indians who once lived in this area. Kegonsa means "Lake of Many Fishes." The lake is home to one county and one state park Lake Kegonsa here.
