Participants at the Sunburg, MN 1994 Stevne.

Lag participants at the Nordfjordlag stevne 1999.

Our 1999 stevne was in joint session with the Bygdelag Centennial at Decorah, IA.

Lag participants at the Nordfjordlag stevne 2000.

September 23, 2000. We met in the Sunburg, MN Community Center in the fall to avoid both the summer heat and some of the conflicts that come with a June meeting.

The business meeting, days entertainment, lunch, and presentation of the bride and groom were all held in the community center and the evening banquet was held in Hope Lutheran Church, a short walk from the center.

Lag participants at the Nordfjordlag stevne 2000.

July 23, 2002. We meet on a special date to accommodate 110 visitors on tour from Nordfjord, Norway.

The meetings were held at the Benson Historical Museum and at the Country Inn in Benson, MN. The group from Norway provided entertainment at the museum in the afternoon and then many went together on the buses to see family locations and cemeteries in the Swift Falls area. The evening festivities were held at the Country Inn where music and dancing went late into the night.

Lag participants at the Nordfjordlag stevne 2003.

September 18, 2003. We meet for the first time at Green Lake Bible Camp.

The camp is located in Spicer, MN and has a stave style church on the grounds which we are allowed to use for our Sunday morning services.

Lag participants at the Nordfjordlag stevne 2004.

September 19, 2004. We meet again at Green Lake Bible Camp.

The camp is located in Spicer, MN and has a stave style church on the grounds which we are allowed to use for our Sunday morning services.

Lag participants at the Nordfjordlag stevne 2005.

June 2nd thru 12th, 2005 current and new members of the Lag joined together on a grand tour of Nordfjord. This tour was planned by the people of Nordfjord as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Norwegian Independence day and as a thank you for their time with us in 2002 . In all a total of 75 Nordfjordings from our Lag, the Wisconsin Lag, and those who joined the tour on their own, went on this wonderful adventure. Many of us stayed on until June 17th touring other parts of Norway.

The people of Nordfjord went all out to not only show us a good time with lots of good food but also to show us the past and current culture of Norway. We were greeted by marching bands, mayors and officials of each community, the best of entertainment, fjord horses, school kids, lots of relatives, and the best of Norwegian hospitality. This was truly a once in a life time trip.

Lag participants at the Nordfjordlag Stevne in Spicer, MN, 2006.

The 2006 Nordfjordlag Stevne was held on Sunday, September 17 at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer, Minnesota. Entertainment was provided by Dassel Leikarring Scandinavian Folk Dancers, Kjell & Elaine Nordlie - Directors.

Picture of bridal march in 2007.

The 2007 Nordfjordlag Stevne was held on Sunday, September 16 at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer, Minnesota. Entertainment was provided by Anderson family.

Most of the group from 2008.

We had a great time at the Nordfjordlag Stevne on September 21, 2008 at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer MN. About 70 members and friends attended.

In 2008 we were pleased to have Christian Skjervold speak to us on the Norwegian Resistance Movement.

Most of the group from 2008.

On Sunday, September 20, 2009, more than sixty Nordfjordings got together on another beautiful fall day to renew old acquaintances and to meet new friends. We began the day with coffee and rolls in the dinning hall and then moved up to the stave church on the hill across the street for our Sunday morning service. Following the service we returned to the hall with the traditional wedding march led by Hardanger violinist Stephanie Hendrickson of Sacred Heart, MN. The honorary bride and groom were Borghild O. Risendal, and Darwin J. Monson, of Stillwater, MN.

To begin the afternoon program we were treated to the musical presentations of The Nordic-American Psalmodikon Quartet and learned about the history and construction of this uniquely Scandinavian one-stringed instrument. The Psalmodikon was declared as "the approved" instrument for church use by the Norwegian State Church in 1835 and became common place in homes. It traveled to America along with the immigrants where its voice from home could be heard across the barren plains. As times changed and other instruments became more affordable it fell out of use and has only recently been revived.

Later in the afternoon Carlyle and Rita Johnson gave a presentation and slide show on their recent travels to Norway and their search for relatives and family connections on both sides of the Atlantic.

As always the day ended with a banquet including the old Norwegian favorites.

2010 Stevne - Celebrating our 100th Year

In 2010 we again met at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer, MN. The date was Sunday, September 19, 2010 and we had a fantastic turn out and a great time together celebrating our 100th year as a lag.

Although the lag was established in 1909 we have historically held our 25th, 50th, and 75th year anniversary celebrations one year later at the 25th, etc. stevne. Holding to that tradition we held our centennial celebration in 2010 to finalize our 100th year as a lag.

2011 Stevne - Celebrating our 101th Year

Sunday September 18th, 2011. For the first time in many years we had rain on the day of our stevne. Fortunetly it managed to work around our need for outside activities and at worst we got a little mist on our bridal march back to the dining hall. The afternoon was filled with entertainment, good conversation and great food. Several new members joined us this year while several long time members could not be with us. We hope that all of you will be able to be back with us again next year.

For those who requested a full resolution copy of the group photo.. Click here to download a 3.7mb copy of the photo! Depending on your browser you may need to right click on the photo and choose "Save image as..." to complete the save process.

2012 Stevne - Celebrating our 102th Year

Sunday September 16th, 2012. What a wonderful fall day for our stevne. The weather was perfect for our bridal march back to the dining hall. The afternoon was filled with entertainment, laughs, good conversation and great food. Several new members joined us this year while several long time members could not be with us. We hope that all of you will be able to be back with us again next year.

For those who requested a full resolution copy of the group photo. Click here to download a 251kb copy of the photo! Depending on your browser you may need to right click on the photo and choose "Save image as..." to complete the save process.

2013 Stevne - Celebrating our 103th Year

Sunday September 15th, 2013. Another wonderful late summer day for our stevne. The weather started out cloudy with a bit of mist but was fine for our bridal march back to the dining hall. The afternoon was filled with entertainment, laughs, good conversation and great food. Doug Ohman gave a presentation in pictures and stories about his travels around Minnesota taking pictures of barns, courthouses, libraries, school houses and outhouses! Norm Johnson provided afternoon musical entertainment with his one man accordian band. Members enjoyed the toe-tapping music while talking with old friends, meeting new friends, and even a little dancing to add to the fun. We hope that all of you will be able to be back with us again next year.

For those who requested a higher resolution copy of the group photo.. Click here to download a 835kb copy of the first photo! And/or click here to download a 845kb copy of the second photo! Depending on your browser you may need to right click on the photo and choose "Save image as..." to complete the save process.

2014 Stevne - Celebrating our 104th Year

Sunday September 21st, 2014. Yet another wonderful late summer day for our stevne. The weather started out cloudy and windy but was fine for our bridal march back to the dining hall. The afternoon was filled with entertainment, good conversation and great food. John Yilek gave a presentation in pictures and stories about the history surrounding Norway's Constitution Day which marked its 200th anniversary on May 17th, 2015! Marybeth and Curt Stull provided afternoon musical entertainment on hardanger fiddle and gutiar. Members enjoyed the music and even a little dancing to add to the fun. We hope that all of you will be able to be back with us again next year.

2015 Stevne - Celebrating our 105th Year

Sunday September 20th, 2015. We began the day with registration / sign in and a chance to talk over a morning cup. The Sunday service was led by Pastor Moser in the stave church at the top of the hill. At the end of the service our bridal couple, Bertha and Dennis Voss, were introduced and then they led our bridal march back to the dining hall. The afternoon was filled with entertainment, good conversation and great food. Dennis Gimmestad gave a presentation with pictures about the history surrounding the many Norwegians involved in the design and construction of the many bridges that cross the Mississippi in the Twin Cities. Later Jan Smith entertained us with her stories about the many kinds of Norwegian trolls that are found back in the old country and even here in the new land. We hope that all of you will be able to be back with us again next year.

Next May we have an opportunity to join in the Centennial Celebration of Bygdelagenes Fellesraad in Brooklyn Center, MN. The dates are May 5-8, 2016 and the program will have something for everyone. Children are welcome for a special Norwegian Day Camp experience while the adults have a special chance to hear several speakers from Norway and the USA on many subjects. For additional information and directions see the Fellesraad web pages at the link below.

2016 Stevne - Celebrating our 106th Year

Sunday September 18th, 2016. Another gorgeous September day. We began with registration / sign in and a chance to talk over a morning cup and a fresh muffin. The Sunday service was led by Pastor Phillip Heide in the stave church at the top of the hill. At the end of the service our bridal couple, Edward and Eveline Mitteness, were introduced and then they led our bridal march back to the dining hall. The afternoon was filled with entertainment, good conversation and great food. After the short business meeting Elaine Haselton, the new Fellesraad President, gave us an update on Fellesraad activities and showed a presentation on the charter members and their descendants for Nordfjordlag and commented on several other notable lags as well. Hannah Tjoflat is the 2016 runner-up of "Alt for Norge", a Norwegian reality show where twelve people who have never been to Norway, but are of Norwegian heritage, compete in a contest which includes some zany stunts and requests. Later Mary Beth and Curt Stull on the Hardanger Fiddle Mary Beth is a music instructor at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where she teaches the Hardanger Fiddle. We hope that all of you will be able to be back with us again next year.

In 2017 we are again planning to meet at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer, MN. The date is Sunday, September 17, 2017 so mark your calender now to save that date.

2017 Stevne - Celebrating our 107th Year

Sunday September 17th, 2017. Another gorgeous crisp September day. We began with registration / sign in and a chance to warm up and talk over a morning cup and a fresh muffin. The Sunday service was led President Dennis Sorheim in the stave church at the top of the hill. At the end of the service our bridal couple, Beverly (Rodi) and Bob Swanson, were introduced and then they led our bridal march back to the dining hall. At the last minute Beverly stepped in to replace our chosen bride who was recovering from an operation. The afternoon was filled with entertainment, good conversation and great food. After the short business meeting Doug Ohman gave a photo presentation on Norwegian Churches in Minnesota. As usual the show was received with much appreciation. The attendance was down this year with several members having conflicts. We hope that all of you will all be back with us again next year.

In 2018 the lag has again voted to meet at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer, MN. The date is Sunday, September 16, 2018 so mark your calender now to save that date.

2018 Stevne - Celebrating our 108th Year

Sunday September 16th, 2018. A hot humid September day. Fortunetly all the areas are air conditioned. We began with registration / sign in and a chance to visit over a morning cup and fresh muffins. The Sunday service was led Pastor John Nelson in the stave church at the top of the hill. At the end of the service our bridal couple, Martha (McCartney) and Bob Swanson, were introduced before they led our bridal march back to the dining hall. The afternoon was filled with entertainment, good conversation and great food. After the short business meeting John Nelson gave a presentation on "Recovering Kinship: The Nesje family, Blue Earth, MN to Stryn, Norway". A great presentation with food for thought that was much appreciated by our members. Attendance was up again this year with several new members joining us. Welcome! We hope that all of you will all be back with us again next year. Bring you friends, families and others interested in learning more about their Nordfjord connections.

In 2019 the lag has again voted to meet at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer, MN. The date is Sunday, September 15, 2019 so mark your calender now to save that date.

2019 Stevne - Celebrating our 109th Year

Sunday September 15th, 2019. We began with registration / sign in and a chance to visit over a morning cup. The Sunday service was led Pastor Norm Belland in the stave church at the top of the hill. At the end of the service our bridal couple, Martha (McCartney) and Bob Swanson, were introduced before they led our bridal march back to the dining hall. (Yes! This is a repeat of last years couple. The new bunad was not ready yet and last minute complications forced a quick change in plans.) The afternoon was filled with entertainment, a lot of conversation and great food. After the short business meeting David Jones gave a presentation on "The Statue of Liberty: Two Decades of Effort; Almost Impossible Odds". The Statue of Liberty stands proudly in New York harbor. David gave us a good look at how that task was accomplished and all the pitfalls that had to be overcome.

We have two new board members this year. Gail Holm has rejoined us as a director and put in a lot of work in getting this years stevne in place. Thanks Gail! Kevin Hoff has volunteered to become our new director/genealogist. Welcome Kevin!
Members had asked that we allow more time to chat over afternoon coffee so this year we shortened the afternoon entertainment to the presentation by David and a sing along led by Dennis so there was more time to renew our connections. The time was well spent with many small groups gathering both inside and out. The pleasant fall day added to the enjoyment.
We hope that all of you will all be back with us again next year. Bring you friends, families and others interested in learning more about their Nordfjord connections.

In 2020 the lag has again voted to meet at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer, MN. The date is Sunday, September 16, 2020 so mark your calender now to save that date.

2021 Stevne - Celebrating our 110th Year

Due to COVID-19 the 2020 Stevne was totally cancled and the Stevne in 2021 was accomplished via Zoom. We had enough people attending to hold a meeting and were able to elect a new president, Kevin Hoff.

2022 Stevne - Celebrating our 112th Year

Sunday September 18th, 2022. The day began with registration and a chance to visit over a morning cup in the stave church at the top of the hill. This year due to a conflict with another group we held all of our meetings in the church. [Meals were in the dining room as usual.] The Sunday service was led Pastor Tim Peterson.
At the end of the worship service our bridal group, Sonia (Rodi)Schmidt (wearing to old bunad), Aurora Lohnes [grand-daughter of Beverly Anderson] (wearing the new bunad), and Bob Swenson led the traditional march down to the dining hall.

We have two board directors missing this year. Kevin Hoff has become our new president/genealogist. And Martha has resigned. Thanks for the service Martha has given to the lag.
We hope that all of you will all be back with us again next year. Bring your friends, families and others interested in learning more about their Nordfjord connections.

In 2023 the lag has again voted to meet at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer, MN. The date is Sunday, September 17, 2023 so mark your calender now to save that date.

2023 Stevne - Celebrating our 113th Year

Sunday September 17th, 2023. The day began with registration and a chance to visit over a morning cup in the stave church at the top of the hill. Once again most of our business meeting was held in the church. The banquet meal was held at noon in the dining room. The Sunday service was led by Gracia Grindal who was also our speaker for the day.
At the end of the worship service and meeting our bridal couple, Sandra Hoff and her son Kevin Hoff led the traditional march down to the dining hall.

Bob Swanson, our former Treasurer has resigned. His position will be filled by Margorie Anderson. A big Thank You to both Bob for his service and to Margorie for taking on the position. We have two new board directors added this year. Darleen Durgen and Tim Peterson Have agreed to fill these positions.

Due to the upcoming 2025 200th anniversary of the beginning of Norwegian emigration to the USA we are joining with a group in Nordfjord to work on plans for a tour to Norway and a reciprocal tour group from Nordfjord to the US. A planning group is being formed to work out the details. If you have an interest in helping with that group please contact Kevin for additional details. More information will be posted here and on our FaceBook page as it becomes available.

We hope that all of you will all be back with us again next year. Bring new friends, families and others interested in learning more about their Nordfjord connections.

In 2024 the lag has again voted to meet at the Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer, MN. The date is Sunday, September 15, 2024 so mark your calender now to save that date.