Today is the 17th of May, which for all Norwegians in Seattle means it's Syttende Mai and a time to celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day.


Syttende Mai has been celebrated in the Greater Seattle Area since 1889 with proclamations, speeches, and a parade.

The annual Syttende Mai parade is one of the largest ethnic parades in the United States with over 100 units every year.

The parade starts near Adams School in Ballard at 6 p.m. and the route follows south to Market Street and eastward to Bergen Place.

In addition to the parade, various events will be taking place in and around Ballard all day:



Barneleker (Children's activities)


Children can enjoy easy craft projects at the Museum. The crafts are free and children must be accompanied by an adult.


Where: Nordic Heritage Museum
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Nordic Café

Free Museum admission all day! Enjoy Scandinavian food and beverages available for purchase.
Where: Nordic Heritage Museum
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Luncheon

There will be a traditional Norwegian lunch with our Grand Marshal and Honorary Marshals. Entertainment provided by opera singer Laura Loge.
Where: Leif Erikson Lodge 
When: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Admission: $25 per person
. Tickets available at Leif Erikson Lodge or Viking Bank.

Entertainment at Bergen Place 

On parade day, there are public performances at Bergen Place featuring a number of acts with Nordic flair!
Where: 
Intersection of Market St., Leary Ave., and 22nd Ave.
When: 2 p.m. -5 p.m.


2:00 p.m.: Bonnie Birch (accordion) and Paul Ostler (tuba)
2:30 p.m.: Bressler Trio
3:00 p.m.: Norwegian Male Chorus


3:30 p.m:  Leikarringen Dancers of Leif Erikson Lodge
4:00 p.m.: Singers from Karmøy - Synnove Aanensen, Solfrid Brekka and Solveig Leithaug

Café at Leif Erikson Lodge
Pre-parade Nordic food, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, which are available for purchase
When: 
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.



17th of May Parade

The highlight of celebrating 17th of May is the parade! This year's emcees are radio host Karen Pauley from Nordic Roots & Branches, KSER 90.7 (Tuesday evenings from 8:30 to 10:30pm), and Tim Hunter, Creative Director at Destination Marketing, who has emceed the Bothell Parade and such Norwegian events as the "Lutefisk Eating Contest".
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Starts near Adams School in Ballard at 6 p.m. and the route follows south to Market Street and eastward to Bergen Place.