Hipp hipp hurra: It’s Syttende Mai

Meghan Walker Ballard

Today is May 17th, Syttende Mai, when the streets of Ballard fill with Norwegian pride.

The 17th of May is Norwegian Constitution Day, and Ballard celebrates with a big parade through the center of downtown. This will be the first time the parade has happened since 2019 due to the pandemic.

Along with the parade starting at 6 p.m., there are other events throughout the day:

  • National Nordic Museum Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. (Sold out)
  • Sons of Norway Leif Erikson Lodge Open House, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. “The Lodge will be serving Scandinavian foods, baked goods, coffee and soda,  and ice cream treats. Enjoy festive live entertainment in the hall and bring your friends! This is a family-friendly event with fun for all.”
  • Live Music at Bergen Place, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.:
    • 2:00 – 2:50 p.m.: The Winter Family Band
    • 3:00 – 3:20 p.m.: The Norwegian Ladies Chorus
    • 3:30 – 3:35 p.m.: Combined choruses for the national anthems
    • 3:40 – 4:00 p.m.: The Norwegian Male Chorus
    • 4:10 – 5:00 p.m.: Special guests Sunnie & Leif on their accordions
  • Syttende Mai Parade, 6 – 8 p.m.: The parade route will start at 24th Ave NW and NW 62nd St where it will travel south along 24th until NW Market St, turning left (east) on Market until 22nd Ave NW, south to Ballard Ave NW, and left on Ballard Ave NW to Ione Place.

If you can’t attend the parade but want to see the festivities, you can watch remotely using this link.

We’ll be posting photos this evening during the parade. If you’d like to add your photos to the post, email us at tips@myballard.com.