Younger Generations Needed at Syttende Mai in Williston, ND
Williston’s Syttende Mai Celebration
I stopped by the Syttende Mai celebration at American State Bank & Trust in Williston, expecting a quick peek, and ended up staying for the cookies and conversation.
What Is Syttende Mai?
If you’ve never heard of Syttende Mai, it’s Norway’s Constitution Day, sort of like the 4th of July but with more lefse and less fireworks.
A Warm Gathering on a Rainy Day
The celebration was cozy and warm on a rainy day, with a spread that included rommegrot, lefse, sandbakkels, rosettes, krumkake, and more. Coffee flowed freely, as did the stories.
A Not-So-Young Crowd
But here’s what really stood out: I was one of the youngest people in the room by a few decades. As I chatted with one of the attendees, he said something that stuck with me.
He worried about who would keep the tradition going. “We need younger people to show up,” he said, looking around the room filled with residents who’ve been celebrating Syttende Mai for years.
A Tradition Worth Carrying Forward
The more I think about it, he’s right. Events like these are held not just for nostalgia, but to pass down culture and keep communities connected.
Join the Sons of Norway
Traditions only last as long as there’s someone to carry them forward. The local Sons of Norway group in Williston puts in a lot of effort to make sure these celebrations continue. But they’ll need new and younger members to carry the torch.
See You Next Year
Maybe next year, I’ll bring a friend or two because Syttende Mai is too sweet (and too important) to let slip away.
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The Importance Of Youth Participation In Syttende Mai Celebrations
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