History and culture the focus of Syttende Mai celebrations in Westby

WESTBY, Wis. (WKBT) – Syttende Mai celebrations are underway Westby.

The official holiday on May 17th celebrates Norway’s constitution day.

Descendants of Norweigan settlers continue the recognition here with food, music, and crafting.

The History Alive Project is sponsoring some of the cultural programs happening this weekend.

Leaders of the project say they think it’s important to pass on Norweigan history and culture to younger generations.

“I think it’s important for kids to have some reference to their heritage,” said President of History Alive Project Dave Amundson. “All the ordeals that [settlers] had to go through in the early years to have what we have today here in Westby or in Stoughton or any Norweigan community.”

If you missed out Saturday, you can still catch a parade Sunday afternoon or check out the arts and crafts fair.

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