Ballard's 2013 Syttende Mai parade attracted thousands Friday. Pictured, front, is Norwegian-born Unn Maeland, long-time Ballard resident, with, left rear, her friend Sharon Knutson, both with Daughters of Norway.
Ballard's 2013 Syttende Mai parade attracted thousands Friday, most staking their patch of grass or cement from the parade's start at NW 62nd and 24th Ave. NW along the route that headed south to Market Street and eastward to Bergen Place Park, then south down Ballard Ave. Many displayed the Norwegian version of red, white and blue on their shirts, ties, and bicycles as an assortment of Norwegian flags waved. Attendees from nine months old to 90 years old sported viking hats to show off their Norwegian pride.
The annual Norwegian Constitution Day event, the official National Day of Norway, is celebrated on May 17, or "Syttende Mai" (17th of May).
According to the Ballard website highlighting the festival, Ballard first celebrated Syttende Mai in 1901.
