Petersburg, Alaska is known as Little Norway. The town was settled by Norwegian Peter Buschmann in 1897 and still retains it’s Norwegian heritage. The Little Norway Festival celebrates Syttenede Mai, the signing of Norways constitution on May 17th, 1814. This four day event is Petersburgs biggest festival of the year. The town’s Main Street is adorned with Norwegian flags with booths lining both sides of the street. Locals proudly wear their Norwegian Sweaters during the events. The celebration is kicked off with a parade down Main Street.
Dancers wearing authentic Norwegian Costume weave their way thru town.
One of the festivals highlights is a narrated fashion show and luncheon at the Sons of Norway Hall. Locals model their Norwegian Folk Costumes know as Bunader.
These highly stylized Bunads are unique to each region of Norway and are still worn for special occasions such as weddings.
Many of the Bunads on display today were hand made by our harbor master, Glo. That is quite an accomplishment considering some of these intricate patterns can take several years to complete.
The Vikings and Valkyries crashed the party to display their animal skin costumes as well!
The Sons of Norway Kaffee Haus cookie and sandwich sampling of Norwegian treats always draws crowds waiting to get in.
Other events included a tug of war pitting locals against visitors.
Shopping cart races featured participants of all ages and sizes.
Of course we had to participate in the annual 7k run/walk known as the Lop the Loop.
The communal Viking feed is always popular especially when there is free King Crab!
Of course a fishing town must have a halibut fletching demonstration.
Between activities we were able to enjoy several of the muskeg walks around town. The views in Petersburg never disappoint.
A pair of Eagles kept us entertained as they were on the lookout for fish in Wrangel Narrows.
Sometimes it’s fun to just be aboard Idyll Time and watch all of the fishing vessels come and go on our stern as the unload their catch.
Most of the big fishing vessels are in port this week.
With the Little Norway festival coming to an end, it’s time for us to head back out to some of our favorite anchoring spots and hopefully catch some more crabs. Thanks for following along!
