… was held in Winona, Minnesota.
WINONA STEVNE REPORT 2010
by Dianne Snell, Sigdalslag Historian
“Rooted in Norway, Branches Grow” was the theme of the 2010 Seven-Lag Stevne held at Winona (Minnesota) State University July 14-17. Ringerike-Drammen Districts Lag led by President Narvel Somdahl was responsible for arranging this year’s activities, so “Thank you” Narv and RDD Lag members for all of your hard work!
The Stevne kicked off Wednesday night with a “gathering time” in East Hall to greet old friends, meet new ones, and just visit. The Nor Win Singers of the local Sons of Norway Lodge entertained with old familiar Norwegian songs.
Registration began Thursday morning followed by the Opening Session at 9 a.m. in East Hall. Greetings were offered by all seven Lag presidents: Jan Heusinkveld, Hadeland Lag; Sandra Hendrickson, Landingslaget; Chet Habbarstad, Numedalslagen; John Haugo, Telelag; Helen Buche, Toten Lag; Narv Somdahl, Ringerike-Drammen Districts Lag; and our own Sigdalslag President Judy Sosted.
Genealogists from each lag were set up in the Darrell Krueger Library on Thursday and Friday complete with library materials and computers to assist participants free of charge with family history research. Three of the seven lags, Hadeland, Landings and Toten, all founded in 2010, were observing 100th anniversaries and each lag set up a display with its memorabilia and artifacts for all to see.
Thursday classes included topics such as Family Treemaker, genealogy, writing and publishing, histories of Winona and Spring Grove, music, and life in the early Norwegian-American community. Friday sessions centered on several of the Norwegian-American genealogical associations, the National Eagle Center, building of the Moorhead stave church, folk dancing, building a family website, and Hakkebolle, the Erickson Cousins Puppeteers.
A Thursday bus tour passed through the valleys of southeast Minnesota to the historic village of Lanesboro. The first stop was at Commonweal Theater, a former cheese factory turned playhouse, where the group enjoyed a matinee performance of the romantic comedy Enchanted April by Matthew Barber adapted from a 1920’s novel by. This was followed by a tour of Lanesboro, some shopping time, and a dinner provided by the Lanesboro Sons of Norway Lodge.
Two bus tours were offered on Friday. A morning tour traveled over the river to Trempeleau County, Wisconsin and the towns of Centerville, Aracadia and Blair. The first stop was at “Soldier’s Walk Memorial Park” featuring more than 30 monuments commemorating all of the military conflicts the United States has been involved in from Revolutionary times to Iraq and the acts of terrorism on 9-11-2001. Next was Countryside Lefse Factory where hand-rolled lefse is made in assembly line style. The tour concluded at First Lutheran Church to view its historic stained glass windows and enjoy lunch (including Countryside lefse) in the church basement. A separate afternoon tour concentrated on the sights of the City of Winona, such as the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Stanislaus Kostka Church founded 1894, Winona State Bank and the Watkins Company.
Friday night’s banquet in East Hall began with the traditional bunad parade followed by a sing-along session led by David Rokke and Sandra Hendrickson, and featured musical entertainment by SCANDIUM, al vocal and instrumental group from Northfield, MN. Marilyn Somdahl presented gifts to each of the Centennial Lag presidents. on behalf of Bygdelagenes Fellesraad.
Saturday was reserved for the individual lag business meetings and activities. Our lag’s business centered mostly on next year’s Stevne in Fargo, North Dakota when Sigdalslag will celebrate its Centennial celebration and will also be in charge of arranging the Stevne activities. Please watch the Saga and Sigdalslag website for updates on this celebration and for volunteer opportunities. Hope to see you and your family and friends at the Doublewood Inn, July 14-17, 2011!!
Click on thumbnails below to view 2010 Stevne Photos
