The Friendly Fifth

Events » District 5 Adult Heritage Weekend


District 5 Adult Heritage Weekend

October 7th - 9th, 2022
Cheryl Wille-Schllesser - Email: rogrcher@mhtc.net
Additional Information:
Adult Heritage Weekend Additions Two new offerings have been added to our adult heritage weekend line-up.

Cheryl Miller will be offering a breakout session on julekurver (woven heart baskets). They are not just for Christmas anymore! You can make these great baskets with creativity for any season or holiday of the year. Learn how to use embellishments and papers to create one-of-a-kind baskets for gift giving or to enjoy at your home.

Mark Storsteen will be sharing his techniques for making and shipping krumkake to family here and abroad. His foolproof method has enabled him to share the joy of the season with the krumkake intact! In addition, Mark will have samples for tasting!

LODGING Lodging for group. 
 You can find it here (and a printable version as well) https://houstoncountymn.com/stay

Other sources to utilize:
AirB&B, and VRBO (both available to peruse for free after signing up online)
Black Hammer Hus - A Norwegian experience - Farm stays for Rent in Spring Grove, Minnesota, United States - Airbnb
Koselig Hus (Cozy House) - Houses for Rent in Spring Grove, Minnesota, United States - Airbnb
The Barn Loft - Barns for Rent in Dorchester, Iowa, United States - Airbnb
Lynnhaven - Houses for Rent in Spring Grove, Minnesota, United States - Airbnb
Prairie Song Farm - Trout fish, hike, unwind! - Houses for Rent in Dorchester, Iowa, United States - Airbnb
Bear Creek Lodge - Houses for Rent in Dorchester, Iowa, United States - Airbnb
Hunters Hollow log cabin - Cabins for Rent in Dorchester, Iowa, United States - Airbnb
The Eitzen Inn - Houses for Rent in Eitzen, Minnesota, United States - Airbnb
Cozy 3 bedroom cabin with fireplace - Cabins for Rent in Dorchester, Iowa, United States - Airbnb Decorah
High Point Cabins—different sizes, reasonable pricing: www.decorahhighpoint.com
Highlandville Cabins*: www.bearcreekcabinsia.com  *Calling Highland General Store at 563-546-7722 is the only way to book a cabin here.
Details:
Thank you, members, for completing the Adult Heritage Weekend survey, which has guided me in planning the activities for the first heritage weekend for adults, a long-requested opportunity. The festivities are set for Friday and Sunday, October 7-9, 2022. It will be held in conjunction with the Uff-Da Fest in Spring Grove, MN.  Music, frivolity, learning, and fellowship are prominently on the agenda.

I have selected an area of the country rich in Norwegian heritage with easy access to the world-famous Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum in Decorah, IA. The two sites are within 30 minutes of one another and, weather permitting will make for a scenic weekend in the Midwest region of the U.S., often referred to as “God’s Country.” Plan to capture the beauty of this area on your still or digital camera. Bring your hiking or walking shoes and poles to enjoy some friluftsliv with fellow Sons of Norway members!

The most selected workshops identified by our members are indicated below and we will utilize the staff at the Giants of the Earth Heritage Center in Spring Grove to help us. Rachel Storlie, the center’s outreach coordinator, will handle the registrations, and she will work with me to arrange the schedules. Her contacts are extensive. She is a music instructor at Luther and will be able to connect us with music majors who can provide us with their gift of singing.

For your comfort, our day will begin at 9 AM. Drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the day, and built-in breaks will provide time for nourishment and stretching! It has been suggested that we begin our sessions with the three anthems, use nametags to identify one another and provide time for small groups to meet. In addition, it was suggested that each attendee bring a family antique or Norwegian piece to share. Primary Norwegian language will be used and shared throughout the weekend. We will provide basic maps of the area to guide explorations for those choosing to venture into the wild.

Top Selections
Meal at a Sons of Norway lodge or local church
Norwegian Fjord Horses
Craft Presentation-TBD
Craft class-TBD
Old-time music or folk music
History of Spring Grove and its importance
Genealogy Tips and Tricks, video recording your family’s history
Music provided by Luther College students
Author visit
Hayride
Hiking or Biking
Open-face sandwiches/Smørbrød
Demo-making smørgrøt-butter porridge
 
My next step is to meet and discuss these options with Rachel and begin planning for your arrival! She will generate registration forms and take responsibility for them, giving her a better idea about the needs and the number of participants. The talents of Spring Grove area residents and members from Valheim Lodge will help us to make this weekend memorable.
 
Something to address NOW is lodging! It will be a challenge that weekend, as various things are scheduled in the area. One can begin their search using Travelocity, Priceline, Kayak, or Expedia. com. Calling the hotels directly is another approach. Consider staying at bed and breakfast, or rent an accommodation thru Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO)
 
Going a bit further away, i.e., La Crosse, WI, could be fruitful. Don’t wait. Act! Rooms are going fast. The drive is very manageable from La Crosse. Staying in locations near Decorah is another option. Check to determine whether any lodging providers have a waitlist if you are interested in a Decorah property.
 
At this writing, the following properties had availability.
Super 8 by Wyndham, Decorah, IA
Super 8 by Wyndham, Cresco, IA
Lavender Fields Inn B & B, Decorah, IA
Best Rest Inn, West Union, IA
St. Francis Guesthouse, West Union, IA
Boarders Inn and Suites by Cobblestone Hotels, Waukon, IA
Best Western Plus at La Crescent Event Center, La Crescent, MN
GrandStay Hotels and Suites, La Crosse, WI
Fairfield Inn and Suites, La Crosse, WI
Gunderson Hotel and Suites, La Crosse, WI
Country Inn and Suites, La Crosse, WI
Radisson Hotel, La Crosse, WI
Candlewood Suites, La Crosse, WI
Home2Suites by Hilton, La Crosse, WI
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, La Crosse, WI
Stoney Creek Hotel La Crosse-Onalaska, WI
Windsor Place Inn, Prairie du Chien, WI
Waterfront Hotel, Prairie du Chien, WI
Other
River Valley Cabin, Lansing, IA, five beds, four-bath
 
I am very excited to offer our members a weekend of heritage activities held in conjunction with Uff-Da Fest in Spring Grove. I plan to ask the district five 5 board for financial assistance to cover some of the costs for the presenters. The next board meeting will be held the weekend of April 22-23, 2022, in Geneva, IL.
 
Tusen takk,
 
Cheryl Wille-Schlesser
District 5 Vice President
rogrcher@mhtc.net
608-219-4464