Editor's note: This letter is written for the community and will appear in this year's Ballard SeafoodFest guide.

Dear Community,

Ten—that’s the number of years I have been producing SeafoodFest. For the last three, festival materials have featured quirky, fun images, created to celebrate and pay tribute to Ballard’s cultural heritage. We’ve embraced three 20th century Vikings with ties to the Nordic countries.

Past posters featured Ozzie the Viking Banker and the handsome Leif Erikson in statue form. This year, SeafoodFest is celebrating its Viking Spirit in a GIANT way! At 8 feet 8 inches tall, Johann The Viking Giant, is Nordic on steroids.

While the Viking figure is an easily recognizable symbol of Scandinavian history and one with a general appeal, they are much more than caricatures. Vikings were explorers and entrepreneurs who introduced skills and ideals that we continue to value today.

Though most were not warriors, all possessed an enduring spirit. Struggling against cold, hunger, enemies and the unknown, Viking men and women were taught to prize bravery, strength and daring deeds.

Like modern day Ballardians, the Vikings were great merchants. As sea fairing traders, they started and established the world’s trade routes and developed commerce in many corners of the world. Wherever they went, the Vikings built thriving new towns or enlarged old ones.

Viking construction methods, their use of sails, and new methods of navigation made them superb seaman, enabling them to sail across the Atlantic Ocean. Wherever they settled, they inspired local improvements in shipbuilding and sailing.

Like the Vikings, boat builders and repair businesses, maritime electricians, sail makers and other related entities, are important contributors to Ballard’s marine industry. Our community continues to play a crucial role in the global maritime economy.

The recent closure of Olsen’s Scandinavian Foods has reignited laments about a by-gone era. Indeed, Ballard’s ethnicity has diminished over the years and been replaced by a new “urban” environment. However, contrary to the media headlines, strong Nordic connections remain.

Traditional foods can still be purchased at Scandinavian Specialties.

The Leif Erikson Lodge hosts numerous events each month. Members of the Norwegian Commercial Club are still hard at work. The Nordic Heritage Museum is well on its way to creating a new world-class museum.

Ballard’s Nordic spirit endures. My hope is that these Viking images will serve as visual reminders of our community’s ties to Scandinavia. Bravery, strength and daring are qualities of a true Viking and ones needed for today’s urban dweller.

So, I encourage you to embrace your Viking every day, but especially at SeafoodFest. Put on your helmet and brave the crowds.

Be strong and experience everything the festival has to offer. Dare to enter contests and try new things. Feed your Inner Viking! Pillage for Seafood! Get Your Viking On!

Let the Viking spirit live on in us all!

Beth Miller
Executive Director, Ballard Chamber of Commerce