Members of the seven lags met in Willmar July 8 - 10.  For the first time, the stevne was held "under one roof" at the Holiday Inn-Conference Center complex.  The genealogy library was open Wednesday evening, all day Thursday and Friday morning.  In addition, genealogy lectures were available for participants.  Registration, vending booths, and tours of the area were also available during this time.

Friday afternoon's opening convocation began with greetings from presidents of NSI, Bygdelagenes Fellesraad, and each of the 7 lags.    An American doctor who has also worked in Norway spoke about the differences between the Norwegian and U.S. medical delivery systems.  There was also a presentation about a local historical society.

Friday evening Mikkel Thompson and  Ruth Sylte demonstrated folk dances from around Norway. Eric Bergeson played piano, sang, and talked about life in a Minnesota small town. 

Saturday, the lag's annual meeting was followed by a picnic at Robbin's Island.  The Malm Basselurskan Harmonica Orchestra from Trondelag played an afternoon concert back at the conference center.  The Norsemen played old time music during the evening banquet.  Following the Bunad parade, "Ole and Sven"  (Phil Dybdal and Dave Nelson) completed the evening's entertainment with humorous songs and stories.

Ad in the  "Sunday" Reminder - Willmar MN Sunday June 27, 2004