A researcher is looking for splashes of Norwegian culture in Minnesota for an episode of a Norwegian TV series called "Uncle in America."
"The more unusual the better," wrote Sven Storberget in an email soliciting tips on Minnesota's Norwegian-Americans.
The program stars two men touring the country looking for the relative of a Norwegian celebrity. Along the way they experience the culture of each state -- with an eye toward the Norwegian-isms but any sort of local charms will do. He said they are looking for interesting jobs and hobbies, colorful events and people.
"We also want to do typical Minnesota things," he said. "But it does not hurt if someone with Norwegian heritage (is) participating."
The crew will be in northern Minnesota for a week in mid-November.
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Duluth might make for a Norwegian jackpot. This is where Bente Soderlind learned to make Lefse and first encountered Norwegian folk dance --even though she grew up in Norway.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm not Norwegian enough," Soderlind said and laughed.
The News Tribune checked with a few local Norwegians about the must-sees and the must-dos of this Norwegian-friendly region. They picked local landmarks and ethnic festivals, arts and foods.
* Enger Tower is a must: Not just for the 360-degree view of the region, but for its story. The tower was dedicated by Norway's then-Crown Prince Olav in 1939. Of course, the landmark has recently been renovated for visiting King Harald and Queen Sonja and is scheduled to be rededicated when the royalty makes a four-hour stop in Duluth on Monday Oct. 17 .
* Leif Erickson Park was mentioned -- as the explorer's blood had Norwegian in the blend. Plus there is a Viking ship.
* A film crew has to eat: Takk for Maten on Superior Street has a Lefse-centric menu -- they even wrap it around hot dogs -- and there is always a pitcher of Lingonberry juice.
* At the hub of it all is Norway Hall, which hosts a range of events including Sons of Norway meetings, Norwegian-themed weddings and the occasional straight-out-of-Norway musical performance.
"If it's Norwegian, it happens here," Kris Eide, president of the Sons of Norway, said of the spot at 21 N. Lake Ave. For the record: Eide also teaches Norwegian cooking classes in her home. Fish cakes, meat balls and potato dumplings just like grandma used to make.
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Norway Hall also features artwork by local Norwegian artists including Alison Aune and Ann Klefstad, who tie ethnic themes into their work, Eide said.
* Speaking of art: Wilma Challstrom is a major player in the Twin Ports Rosemaling Society. She's Scandinavian by marriage, but has been interested in the flowers and swirls and painted on wood, a Nordic folk art form. She teaches community education classes on the style in Proctor.
"It's too bad they weren't here in September," Challstrom said of the TV crew.
The Rosemaling Society spends the year preparing for the annual festival. Since the crew will miss that, Challstrom suggests a trip up the shore and a stop at the fish shops -- like Russ Kendall's Smoke House in Knife River.
"When I drive the shore, I know why the (Norwegians) settled here," she said. "It's very close to Norway-looking. It's the water and hills and cool climate."
* Knife River is also home to Randy Ellestad's Knife River Campground. Every year he hosts a Midsummer Festival on the beach. It includes traditional food: goat cheese, lefse, flat bread and kringler, a Norwegian pastry. Ellestad said these events, ranging from Syttende Mai to fish cake dinners at the Lutheran church are a way to hang on to the past.
"It's like a comfortable pair of shoes," he said. "There are comfortable things about everyone's ethnicities, whether its your favorite recipe that grandma used to make or fish cake dinner. It's neat. You see the older people dressed up in Norwegian sweaters."
Christa Lawler is a reporter at the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune, which is owned by Forum Communications Co.
