Happy Syttende Mai!

It’s a big day in Ballard, and Norwegian pride will be running strong with activities all day long, culminating in the annual Syttende Mai (17th of May) parade through the heart of Ballard from 6 to 8 p.m. And, some trivia for you: the Syttende Mai celebrations have been taking place in our state since the year our state was admitted to the union in 1889.

Here is a list of the events:

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Nordic Heritage Museum: Enjoy kids games and free admission to the NHM all day; Nordic Cafe will be selling Scandinavian treats, and fjord horses will be on site.

Noon – 2 p.m.: Luncheon at Leif Erikson Hall (2245 NW 57th St.) Tickets $30, call (206) 783-1274

2 – 5 p.m.: Bergen Place Park. On-going live, free entertainment.

3 – 5 p.m.: Open House and Cafe at Leif Erickson Hall. Food, beverages, wine and beer available for purchase. Local Scandinavian organizations will have promotional material about their groups.

5 – 9 p.m.: Syttende Gay at BalMar. Combining Seattle’s Scandinavian GLBT community and the annual Syttende Mai celebration, Syttende Gay is celebrated at BalMar (5449 Ballard Ave NW). From BalMar: “The beneficiary non-profit will be Washington United For Marriage. This year’s optional theme is Russ which is a yearly grad tradition in Norway during 17th of May. A Mardi-Gras like celebration with a youthful vibe, Russ-wear is red or blue bib overalls with sewn flags and zany accessories.”

6 – 8 p.m: The Syttende Mai Parade. The parade starts at Adams Elementary at NW 62nd and 24th Ave NW, goes south to Market Street, east to Bergen Place Park, turns down 22nd Ave NW and continues south on Ballard Ave NW to Dock Street. Parking can be difficult, so arrive early.

For more info on the event, visit the 17th of May website.