What is this Høstfest all about?
Here is a special reminder from our friend Trygve Olson.
Joy Steenson Reiten Passes at 91
Joy Reiten, wife of Chester Reiten and one of the founding pioneers of Norsk Hostfest, passed away on Tuesday, June 21 at the age of 91. A fascinating woman, Joy was a Hillsboro High School graduate and had a job building guns for the military in 1942 before joining the Navy WAVES. In the Navy, she became an airplane mechanic and served at the San Diego Naval Station.
Joy Reiten worked alongside her husband in building what we know today the KX Network broadcasting business, and in establishing and developing the Norsk Hostfest – Minot’s annual Scandinavian Festival. KX Network’s Jim Olson had this say about the broadcast family’s matriarch “I will always remember the kind words she had for me every time we crossed paths over the years – and admire her patriotism and the strength of character she displayed throughout her life.”
Like Chester who left us in 2013, Joy will be remembered for her inspiration, her commitment to family and community values and the legacy she left for us to share.
Memorial gifts in honor of Joy Reiten can be made on the Foundation’s secure website. Joy’s family has requested gifts be directed to Norsk Høstfest. Please select the Norsk Høstfest General Fund or the Norsk Hostfest General Endowment Fund whichever is your preference. Remember to fill in the “In memory” section. Your remembrance of Joy (without a dollar amount) will be shared with her family.
Please click Donate to access the on-site donation form.
Thank you!
Let’s all row together – Oarsmen 2015
If you have ever attended Norsk Høstfest or visited the Scandinavian Heritage Park you know it took vision and a “Ya You Betcha” spirit to make them a reality. The Høstfest-Heritage Foundation invites you to make an investment for the future by becoming a member of the Oarsmen Annual Fund. To learn more visit
Oarsmen Annual Giving Opportunities
or
Click on this button to make your secure on-line donation. Donate Now
HHF 980 Explorer Oarsman and Chieftain of 2015 Drakkar #1 Leann Mellum with her replica of The Oseberg. 2015 Drakkar #2 is currently in search of its Chieftain. It could be you!
Sondre Norheim Remembered by Ritch Houge
Park to Final Resting Place
Syttende Mai is fast approaching. There will be a parade in Scandinavian Heritage Park and many will take the time to view one of the park’s prized statues – that of the father of modern skiing Sondre Norheim.
Sondre Norheim by Norweigen sculpture Knut Skinnarland
During Norsk Høstfest many people take the time to travel the 30 some miles from Minot to the little Norway Lutheran Church north of Karlsruhe. On this bluff overlooking the Souris (Mouse) River, Sondre helped build the first Lutheran church on the Mouse River loop in 1884. It was on the site of this church that Sondre was laid to rest in 1897. Here is my photo visit to the Norway Lutheran Church and the new world the Norheims settled in 130 years ago. Such a change of life for our immigrant forefathers.
Norway Lutheran Church
Site of the first church
Sondre and wife Rannei graves
2015 Scandinavian Heritage Park
2015 Scandinavian Heritage Park
John Sinn and Les Stegge oversee park pond improvements. Special thanks to Rolac Contracting, Inc. for providing the backhoe and operator.
Volunteers at work on the Scandinavian Heritage Park ponds. (l. to r.) John Sinn, Bob Whetter, Craig Elliot and Les Stegge.
