Event Speakers
Dean Uland – Riverland Community College, Austin, MN. His areas of interest are agriculture, including local and regional Minnesota history, as well as topics in immigration and World War I.
Miranda Moen – Architectural Designer and Founder of MO/EN DESIGN PRACTICE, LLC , Austin, MN. Miranda has researched Norwegian-American architecture and its influences from Norway. Providing background on regional building customs in Norway, she will transition into its relationship to the houses built by Norwegian-Americans, specifically her ancestors' house in Spring Grove, MN.
Karen Fried & Nancy Gulbranson will provide food demonstrations. Both retired, Nancy was a FACS teacher/HS Principal and Karen was on staff at Spring Grove School District. She is a member of the SG Sons of Norway Lodge, and both are members of the Spring Grove Giants of the Earth Heritage Center. They will be making Norwegian Kransekake (Norwegian Wedding Cake) and will have a fun demonstration.
Thomas Jacobson will speak on Pastor Clausen who worked on establishing mission churches among Norwegian settlements. He was the pastor who was active at Beaver Creek.
Caitlin Sackrison recently received her PhD in Norwegian studies and speaks on a variety of topics with an interest in women settlers.
The Norwegian Bachelor Farmers, Kyle and Dave, have been entertaining audiences for over two decades with their eclectic blend of Scandinavian music, storytelling, and humor. Past credits include: Hostfest in Minot, ND, Nordic Fest in Decorah, IA, Norwegian National League in Park Ridge, IL, Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park, IL, Syttende Mai in Stoughton, WI, and many other Scandinavian festivals throughout the Midwest.
The Norwegian Bachelor Farmers
Wednesday, July 9th
The stevne begins with a tour and lunch starting at 11:00 am at St. Olaf Church in Austin. After lunch, participants will carpool to the town of Grand Meadow, Minnesota, for guided tours of the Bear Creek Norwegian Lutheran Church, The GAR (Grand Army of the Republic Hall), also known as Booth Post No. 130, and the Grand Meadows Chert Quarry. The return time is estimated at 5:00pm.
Thursday, July 10th
We will begin at 8:00 am with registration and genealogy.
Opening Session begins at 9:00 am with Keynote Address by Dale Goodman arranged through the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, IA. Dale's presentation follows the story of the 1825 “Restauration" sloop from its voyage across the Atlantic and its reception in New York City. The story ends with the first Norwegian Settlement in Kendall, NY.
Classes begin after lunch. The evening is set aside for individual Lag meetings. Telelaget will hold its annual meeting at a time and place to be determined. Details will be emailed at a future date.
Friday, July 11th
Expect a full day of genealogy and classes. In the evening, there will be a banquet with entertainment and the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers musical group.
Saturday, July 1st
Closing session (9:00-11:30 am) features George Olson presenting “They Brought More Than Lutefisk and Lefse.” This includes a mixture of light history, traditions, traditional humor and songs our immigrant ancestors brought with them. A Bunad Parade and entertainment will officially end the stevne.
Event Schedule
The event will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton & Austin Conference Center, 1701 4th Street NW, Austin, Minnesota. There is a block of rooms reserved for the stevne. Mention the 7+Lag Stevne when making reservations. To reserve, call Doubletree at 507-433-1000, press 1 for room reservations, Ask to be connected to the front desk at the Austin, MN location. Room rate is around $140/night
Additional rooms have also been set aside at the Days Inn, 700 16th Avenue NW, close to the Double Tree. Phone: 1-507-299-5675. Room rate is around $120/night.
Coming Soon
Accommodations
Area Attractions
Maps
The DoubleTree Hotel has an onsite restaurant and room service available.
Perkins, Culver's, Hyvee Grocery Store, Jimmy Johns and Caribou Coffee are all nearby.
Wednesday's tours will include a lunch meal.
Friday Banquet
A social hour with an open bar in the lobby from 5 - 6 p.m. Banquet seating begins at 6 p.m.; all banquet tickets need to be purchased in advance. We are happy to announce the following choices for the plated meal to be served at the banquet:
Stuffed Pork, Green Beans w/almonds, Baby Red Potatoes, Garden Salad, Strawberry Shortcake w/whipped cream, water - $35
Chicken Provolone, Glazed Carrots, Mashed Potatoes w/gravy, Garden Salad, Strawberry Shortcake w/wipped cream, water - $35
Quinoa Bowl, Garden Salad, Strawberries in a bowl, water - $30
Entertainment follows the banquet featuring the NORWEGIAN BACHELOR FARMERS