Leif to Leif 5k and Norwegian Heritage Day coming up in March

Next month is the annual Leif to Leif 5k and Norwegian Heritage Day celebration.

Both the Leif to Leif 5k Fun Run/Walk and Heritage Day are happening Sat. March 21, and will be hosted by the Leif Erikson Lodge.

The 5k will start and finish at the lodge (2245 NW 57th St) — the halfway point will be the Leif statue at Shilshole Marina. All participants will be rewarded with coffee, a free heart waffle with lingonberry jam, plus a Norwegian flag. The winners in each category will also be awarded ribbons — awards will be given at 10:15am in the lodge.

The Heritage Day celebration will start at 9:30am; here’s a preview:

On the first floor you will be greeted by Marit Thomsen and Carol Lindgren who can tell you about the Immigrant Trunk, filled with items that your grandparents might have brought with them on their journey from the old country. Thanks to the National Nordic Museum for loaning the trunk to us.

Enticing smells of lefse, krumkake and vafler will tempt you into the Kaffestua, transformed into our Bakeri. If you can tear yourself away from all these temptations go up to the main hall where there will be people demonstrating rosemaling, woodcarving and nål binding; find out more details about your bunad from Jody Grage who will MC the bunad parade starting at 12:30pm. The kafe will be serving your favorite smørbrød, erte suppe, Verden’s Beste Kake and other baked goods.

Entry for the Leif to Leif 5k is $20 for adults and $5 for kids; you can pre-register by filling out this form and waiver and mailing both to the lodge ( Leif Erikson Lodge, 2245 NW 57th St, Seattle, WA 98107). You can also register day-of; check-in will begin at 8am on the 21st, and the race will begin at 9am.

The Heritage Day celebration is free and open to the public, with free parking at Banner Bank next door.

Photo: Leif Erikson Lodge