Norsk Hostfest hosts Military Appreciation Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT, N.D. --  A tribute to the rich Scandinavian heritage found in North Dakota, the 37th annual Norsk Hostfest was hosted at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot, Oct. 1-4, 2014.

Founded in 1978, Norsk Hostfest is the largest Scandinavian festival in North America. The event celebrates cultures from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

For military members and their families, a highlight of the festival was Military Appreciation Day. Active duty military members and their families received free admission to the festival and were offered discounted tickets to main events throughout the day.

"I get the distinguished honor to thank you for thanking us," said 5th Bomb Wing commander Col. Jason Armagost in his speech at the festival.

Armagost was followed by David Reitten, son of Norsk Hostfest's founder, who also voiced his appreciation for the service members from Minot Air Force Base.

"Tonight we honor and thank our active and former military members," Reiten said. "It's our way of saying thank you for your service to our country."

Cindy Whitesell, 5th BW community support coordinator and Minot native, has been attending Norsk Hostfest for years. With Norwegian heritage in her own family, she explained how big of an impact the military presence has on the community.

"There is so much diversity in the Air Force, and it's really important that the community be able to share our heritage with the military," Whitesell said.

Through the halls of the venue, venders and food stands lined the corridors, selling traditional Scandinavian cuisine and crafts. Bread pudding, lutefisk and deep-fried meatballs, as well as hand-carved Christmas ornaments were all featured items during the festival.

Much like the relationship between the base and community, the Norsk Hostfest will continue to bring cultures together in a celebration for generations to come, Armagost explained. 

"What we have in northern North Dakota, to come together like this, can only be found here," Armagost said. "None of this can happen without a sense of service and community."