Begin The Summer Festival Season In Stoughton With Synttende Mai May 19th through the 21st

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 Norwegians 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 2023 version of this popular weekend-long celebration in Stoughton will look a bit more like 2022. 2021 was different,  “A lot was 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 68 years.

In 2021, the opening ceremony was streamed at www.StoughtonFestivals.com. many events were streamed online but there were also in person events. This year, that is all back, no more remote Zoom. Among the uniquely Synttende Mai events are the 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 coming out of the pandemic last year was the Synttende Mai's parade. The 2021 version permitted visitors to drive their cars along the route. 

Synttende Mai also features an Art and Craft Fair, A favorite of festival-goers, the Arts and Crafts Fair showcases some of the area’s best local artists. The Fair takes place at River Bluff Middle School from Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 9am - 2pm.

There are so many events planned online that it be best to visit https://www.stoughtonfestivals.com/ for more details about the

happenings each day..

What would any ethnic festival like Synttende Mai be without sampling

authentic, homemade Norwegian 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