The Petersburg Little Norway Festival Committee and Chamber of Commerce welcome all residents and visitors of Petersburg to the Annual Little Norway Festival each year.

Residents and visitors, young and old alike dressed in Norwegian bunader (folk costumes) host as well as partake in the Festival events. This annual celebration dates back to May 17th, 1958 when two local women, Bernadine Trones and Alma Wallen chaired the first Little Norway Festival in celebration of our unique Norwegian heritage. Syttende Mai or May 17th, celebrates the signing of Norway's Constitution in 1814. Petersburg's Little Norway Festival has grown to span the 3rd weekend of May and celebrates not only Norway's Constitution, but U.S. Armed Forces Day, the coming of spring and beginning of the fishing season.

Great music always plays a large part of the Festival fun. The heart of downtown is barricaded and booths line the street offering a variety of wares and information. Food, always an important aspect of any festival, ranges from traditional Alaskan Native fare and Petersburg's world-class seafood to fine Norwegian delicacies. A parade, a walk/run race, a pageant, style shows and many dedications fill out the very full Annual Festival Schedule and insure entertainment for everyone.

Schedule:

May 14, 2023

8:00am-4:00pm: City of Kupreanof Celebration: "Walk into the Wilderness" Catch a ride over to Kupreanof starting at 8am from the Harbor Master's Office. Free transportation available until 3pm: from Harbor. Join the celebration which includes hikes and geocaching (10am-3pm: at the Kuprean of dock). Last boat from Kupreanof is 4pm. For a schedule of activities and more info go to www.cityofkupreanof.org. Remember, if you pack it in, pack it out.

MAY 15, 2023

6:00pm: Clausen Museum: Annual meeting and Little Norway Festival Art Show kickoff. There will be a brief update of what's happening at the Museum,
vote in a new slate of officers, enjoy finger foods and some beverages, and local art.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Norwegian Cooking and Baking: Sons of Norway Hall. Come have a cup of coffee and learn how to make traditional Norwegian treats.

May 16, 2023

3:00pm-5:30pm: Dale of Norway Trunk Show Preview: Lee's Clothing- get a sneak peak at the new Dale of Norway Norwegian sweaters for 2023. Refreshments.

May 17, 2023

9:30am – 5:30pm: Diamante Gift Shoppe: Mainstreet. Stop by and find a beautiful piece of Solje Jewelry, imported from Norway, or a treasure from local artist Naomi Welde's hand painted Rosemaling and don't forget the Little Norway Blanket. All available for purchase!

10:00am - 5:00pm: Clausen Memorial Museum: 203 Fram Street across from the Hospital Little Norway Art Show, no charge. Stop by to see the latest in local talent, throughout the festival. Museum hours are 10-5 Monday through Friday, and 12-5 on Saturday. If you have questions, please call 772-3598.

May 18, 2023

9:00am - 5:00pm: Visitor Information Center Open: 1st Street and Fram – Come and see our selection of Little Norway Festival Logo designs done by our local artists. Also, check out our travel information publications, local maps, posters and souvenir items.

9:30am – 5:30pm: Diamante Gift Shoppe: Mainstreet. Stop by and find a beautiful piece of Solje Jewelry, imported from Norway, or a treasure from local artist Naomi Welde's hand painted Rosemaling and don't forget the Little Norway Blanket. All available for purchase!

9:30am-5:30pm: Lee's Clothing: Dale of Norway Trunk show.

10:00am-5:00pm: Clausen Memorial Museum: 203 Fram Street across from the Hospital. Little Norway Art Show, no charge. Stop by to see the latest in local talent,
throughout the festival. Museum hours are 10-5 Monday through Friday, and 12-5 on Saturday. If you have questions, please call 772-3598.

Noon – 2:00pm: Style Show Early Bird Tickets: Sons of Norway – Sing Lee Alley. Come buy early bird style show luncheon tickets and select your seat ahead of time.
Remaining tickets will be sold at the door on Friday.

1:00pm - 5:00pm: Live Norwegian Sweater Modeling and Dale of Norway Trunk Show: Lee's Clothing - Main Street. Experience our 2023 collection of Norwegian sweaters modeled live in our window.

2:00pm: Muskeg Walk with Forest Service Botanist: Meet at the Ballfields – top of Excel St. Join Laura Holloway on an interesting, leisurely walk and learn about the unique surface that makes up Mitkof Island ground cover.

4:00pm – 7:00pm: Artist Show and Reception. Blomster Hus is hosting Rosemaling by Polly Koeneman downtown main street.

5:15pm – 6:00pm: Little Norway Festival Pageant: Excel on Main Street - Enjoy Petersburg's rich multi-ethnic heritage through Norwegian Anthem, National Anthem, presentation of the Norwegian American award the "Festival Dancers" and $500 raffle winner announced – make sure to purchase your raffle tickets now!

6:00pm – 6:15pm: Dragkamp: Join us for a classic tug of war contest. First four teams of 10 people to sign up will be entered to participate in the contest. More than 10 people per team will be disqualified. Registration will open Monday, May 8th and hours of operation are Monday-Saturday

9am-5pm: at the Visitor Center. For more information, please call 907-772-4636. Winners will win a stein and will receive one free soda/beer for the evening. Thank you, Rock-n-Road, for sponsoring this event.

6:15pm: – 9:00pm: Little Norway Festival Street Dance: Excel on main street – Help us kick off the festival with food, music and dancing.

7:00pm: Mummers: Come enjoy the play, "Blackboot's Lost Loot," put on by your very own Petersburg Mummers. Doors open at 6:30pm.

7:00pm-8:30pm: Artist Pop Up: Come check Petersburg local artist Lisa Schramek Adams, Kellii Wood and Ashley Lohr at 12 Sing Lee Alley at the "Old Salvation Army"

May 19, 2023

Open Viewing Rae C. Stedman Elementary School Art Show: Various locations around town - Walk through town and stop to enjoy artwork by the inspired students of Stedman Elementary. Locations where original works of art can be viewed include: Petersburg-Wrangell Insurance, First Bank, Wells
Fargo and The US Forest Service.

9:00am - 5:00pm: Visitor Information Center: 1st Street and Fram – Come and see our selection of Little Norway Festival Logo designs done by our local artists. Also, come check out our travel information publications, local maps, posters and souvenir items.9:30am – 11:30am $ One hour make it – Take it Rosemaling Class: Anchor Properties, beginning rosemaling for teens and adults with Judy Forgey. This year you will be painting a xtratuf boot. Only for $20 and everything is included. Only 20 people per class. First class starts at 9:30am and second class starts at 11:30am. To register call 907-650-7413.

9:30am - 5:30pm: Diamante Gift Shoppe: Mainstreet. Stop by and find a beautiful piece of Solje Jewelry, imported from Norway, or a treasure from local artist Naomi Welde's hand painted Rosemaling and don't forget the Little Norway Blanket. All available for purchase!

9:30am-5:30pm: Dale of Norway Trunk Show: Lee's Clothing – Main Street. Come browse the 2023 collection of Norwegian sweaters, hats and socks.

10:00am-1:30pm: Muskeg Maleriers Rock Hunt: Painted rocks will be hidden in the downtown area. When you find one with a number on the back of the rock, bring it to Judy Forgeys Make it/Take it art class held at Anchor Properties and enter a drawing that will be held at 2pm: each day. One entry per person. Please call Judy at 907-650-7413 with questions.

10:00am-3:00pm: Artist Pop Up: Come check Petersburg local artist Lisa Schramek Adams, Kellii Wood and Ashley Lohr at 12 Sing Lee Alley at the "Old Salvation Army"

10:00am - 5:00pm: Downtown Husflid Open: Main Street - The downtown area is closed off and there are concessions and craft booths galore. Do a little shopping, eating and visiting with the unique people from Petersburg at their booths. The food court is located between Viking Travel down to First Bank on both sides of the street.

10:00am - 5:00pm: Clausen Memorial Museum: 203 Fram Street across from the Hospital Little Norway Art Show, no charge. Stop by to see the latest in local talent, throughout the festival. Museum hours are 10-5 Monday through Friday, and 12-5 on Saturday. If you have questions, please call
772-3598.

10:15am -11:00am Children's Music: Come join in on the fun and bring your children in front of the Little Norway main stage for a time of singing and dancing with Sarah Hofstetter. You don't want to miss this!

Noon $ Scandinavian Style Show and Luncheon: Sons of Norway Hall, Sing Lee Alley. Doors open at 11:30am – come see and hear about our wonderful collection of traditional Bunader, while enjoying a lovely Petersburg lunch.

12:00pm-12:30pm: Scandinavian Fiddle Music: Main Stage. Martha Levenson is an avid Nordic fiddler who divides her time between fiddle and the hardingfele. She loves to collaborate with dancers and is known for her clear rhythms when playing for dance. She makes frequent trips to Norway to further her knowledge and build her skills.

Noon - 6:00pm: $ Kito's Kave Beer Garden: 11 Sing Lee Alley - Stop in for a refreshing drink! Hungry? Grab something from The Salty Pantry located next to the Kito's Kave Beer Garden!

Noon - 6:00pm: $ Harbor Bar Beer Garden: Coastal Cold Storage Parking lot, Main StreetRelax and enjoy a cold one while taking in the festival sights and sounds.

2:30pm – 3:00pm: Scandinavian Fiddle Music: Main Stage. Come and enjoy live music by Martha Levenson.

4:30pm – 5:00pm: Scandinavian Fiddle Music: while strolling downtown and lining up for the Parade enjoy live fiddle music by Martha Levenson.

4:45pm: Parade Line Up: Starting location at Trading Union. No need to register to walk in the parade –bring yourself or a group and walk! Questions? Contact Parks and Rec 772-3392

5:00pm: The Annual Festival Parade: The Temsco Helicopter kicks off the parade by flying above with the USA and Norwegian Flags. Bring your flags to wave as parade passes by.

5:30pm: The Annual Sil (Herring) Toss: Main Street - Immediately following the parade, both youth and adult's lineup to see how far partners can toss the favorite lil Norse Fisk. Questions? Call Parks and Rec 772-3392

5:30pm-7:30pm: Jewelry Show: FireLight Gallery presents a joint trunk show with Taylen Reed and Twisted Ginger. Come out and support their beautiful display of jewelry.

6:00pm – 6:30pm: Scandinavian Fiddle Music: Main Stage. Live music!

6:00pm: Viking Kid Games: Immediately after the Sil Toss join the Vikings in some kid games.

6:30pm: Viking Shrimp Feed: Join the Vikings for dinner on the street and experience the way the Vikings eat - with your hands.

7:00pm: Mummers: Come enjoy the play, "Blackboot's Lost Loot," put on by your very own Petersburg Mummers. Doors open at 6:30pm.

9:00pm: Dude Mountain Boys: Kito's Kave main stage. Psychedelic, jam, rock band, blues – and three cool dudes.

May 20, 2023

8:00am - 10:00am $ Little Norway "Lop the Loop" Run/Walk: Main Street. Check-In starts at 8am, race begins at 9am downtown! Pre-Register at Parks and Rec or online. Questions? Call Parks and Rec 772-3392

9:00am - 5:00pm: Visitor Information Center: 1st and Fram. Come see our selection of Little Norway Festival Logo designs done by our local artists. Also, check out our publications, local maps, posters, displays and souvenir items.

9:30am – 11:00am $ One hour make it – Take it Rosemaling Class: Anchor Properties, beginning rosemaling for teens and adults with Judy Forgey. This year you will be painting an xtratuf boot. Only for $20 and everything is included. Only 20 people per class. First class starts at 9:30am and second class starts at 11:30am. To register call 907-650-7413.

9:30am - 5:30pm: Diamante's Gift Shoppe: Mainstreet, see Friday.

10:00pm-1:00pm: Artist Pop Up: Come check Petersburg local artist Lisa Schramek Adams, Kellii Wood and Ashley Lohr at 12 Sing Lee Alley at the "Old Salvation Army"

10:00am-1:30pm: Muskeg Maleriers Rock Hunt: Painted rocks will be hidden in the downtown area. When you find one with a number on the back of the rock, bring it to Judy Forgeys Make it/Take it art class held at Anchor Properties and enter a drawing that will be held at 2pm: each day. One entry per person. Please call Judy at 907-650-7413 for questions.

10:00am - 5:00pm: Downtown Husflid Open: Main Street - The downtown area is closed off and there are concessions and craft booths galore. Do a little shopping, eating and visiting with the unique people from Petersburg at their booths. The food court is located between Viking Travel down to First Bank on both sides of the street.

10:00am - 5:00pm: Clausen Memorial Museum: For more information see Friday's schedule.

10:00am – 11:30am Lil' Fisk Derby: Harbormaster Shack - North Harbor- Sons of Norway sponsors this popular event. Young anglers will have a chance to learn about catch and release and how to hook a fish dinner. There is no charge, just remember your life jacket and fishing pole. Life jacket safety checks will be available. Thank you, Peterburg's Sons of Norway for donating prizes. Register at 10 - turn in fish by 11:30, Prizes at Noon!

10:00am - 1:00pm: $ Kaffe Hus: Sons of Norway, Sing Lee Alley. Relax and visit while sampling traditional Norwegian foods, A great stop for authentic pastries, openfaced sandwiches, cookies and coffee; all in a casual atmosphere. Also, enjoy live music by Judi and Amanda who are world class accordion
players.

11:30am- 12:30pm: Petersburg Pet Center: Main Stage. Come watch dogs of all kinds put on a fashion show (expressing dogs' individuality), and an obedience challenge (sit and come - toys, treats and obstacles along the way as a distraction to pet) You are guaranteed to smile and enjoy the
entertainment. Gifts and prizes for participant winners. For more information, please call Laura at 907-518-9083.

Noon - 6:00pm: $ Kito's Kave Beer Garden: 11 Sing Lee Alley. Stop in for a refreshing drink! Hungry? Grab something from The Salty Pantry BBQ located next to the Kito's Kave Beer Garden!

Noon - 6:00pm: $ Harbor Bar Beer Garden: Coastal Cold Storage Parking lot, Main StreetRelax and enjoy a cold one while taking in the festival sights and sounds.

12:30pm – 1:00pm: Guns and Hoses: Main Street – come and watch the Petersburg Law Enforcement and Fire Department as they go head-to-head in pulling two ambulance vehicles across the finish line. Who do you think will win?

1:00pm - 1:30pm: Fisk-O- Rama: Main Street – in front of the banks. Watch as two huge halibuts get fletched by professionals from PFI. This event was made possible because of donation from OBI - thank you!

1:30pm - 2:30pm: Jormungandr Strongman Style Sled Pull: Main Street – Like the Norse god Thor pulling the serpent Jormundgandr from the sea, competitors will be given 60 seconds to drag a weighted sled for 50 feet. The winner is determined by the fastest time or furthest distance (if no on in the class completes the pull). Free to watch! Please sign up and weigh in at the chamber Booth on Saturday at 11:30am. Registration fee is $10 a person.

2:30pm - 3:00pm: Grocery Cart Races: race for prizes while racing a shopping cart down Main Street with a few competitors. Thank you to Hammer and Wikan for your generous donations.

3:00pm - 3:30pm: Alaska Seaplanes Airplane Competition: Limit of 20 adults, signups at the Chamber Booth at 2:30pm. Winner will win 1 round trip ticket wherever Alaska Seaplanes travel. There will be competition for kids and winner will win a prize.

3:00pm - 4:00pm: Corn Hole Competition: Who doesn't like a good competition of Corn Hole? The competition will be held in front of Harbor Bar and the winner will win a prize. This event is hosted by Harbor Bar.

3:30pm – 4:00pm: Scandinavian Fiddle Music: Main Stage. Main Stage. Martha Levenson is an avid Nordic fiddler who divides her time between fiddle and the hardingfele. She loves to collaborate with dancers and is known for her clear rhythms when playing for dance. She makes frequent trips to Norway to further her knowledge and build her skills.

4:00pm - 8:00pm: Ingas Galley: Mainstreet, stop by and experience Petersburg's very own music artist. Sit and enjoy!

4:00pm - 8:00pm: $ Shrimp Feed Dinner: Under the Chamber tent in Hammer and Wikan parking lot. Hosted and served up by the PHS Boys' and Girls' Basketball Teams. Grab and go or sit down and enjoy your meal hot! Enjoy our Petersburg delicacies at this annual favorite event.

4pm-5pm: Senior Citizens eat and 5pm-8pm: is general public. Thank you to Hammer and  Wikan for their generous donations of food and Tonka Seafood for donating the shrimp. Let's support these boys and girls as they travel to Basketball Camp.

7:00pm: Mummers: Come enjoy the play, "Blackboot's Lost Loot," put on by your very own Petersburg Mummers. Doors open at 6:30pm.

8:00PM-10:00PM$ Middle/High School LNF After Party: Lighthouse Youth Presents MAYFEST AFTER-PARTY! Saturday, May 20th, from 8-10pm: for onlygrades 6th-12th. $25 at the door. Come enjoy Nacho Bar, Italian Sodas, Challenges and Giveaways.

May 21, 2023

Open Viewing Rae C Stedman Elementary School Art Show: Various locations around town (see Friday)

8:00am - 11:00am $ The Annual Festival Pancake Breakfast: St. Catherine's Catholic Church, 3rd and Dolphin St. - Enjoy this hearty breakfast as you ease your way into the final day of the festival.

10:00am - 1:00pm: Worship at a church of your choice.  Noon $ Rotary Club Seafood Bake and Barbecue: Sandy Beach. (Credit cards accepted) Enjoy the ultimate meal of grilled salmon, rockfish and black cod with the works on the side, all while visiting with friends old and new. Orders are available to go. One bottled water or soft drink included with meal. Beer and wine for sale. Help us celebrate Alaskan spirit on the shores of Frederick Sound and find out who won the Chamber of Commerce raffle for the Alaska airlines tickets or the cash. Buy a ticket ahead of time and go the front of the line. Tickets available online www.PetersburgRotary.org or use the QR code below.

Dates: May 18-21, 2023

Location:

Various Venue
Petersburg, AK 99833

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