ND’s Norsk Hostfest Says Nope To 2021.

Fair enough.

I was wholly impressed last year when ON MARCH 18th 2020, THE NORSK HOSTFEST CANCELLED their fall celebration.  It was so early, and there was controversy aplenty when the decision first came out. Many thought the virus would , obviously disappear under the hot summer sun. Alas, that didn't happen and the Norsk Hostfest was shown as one of the most forward thinking event organizers in the game.

I have personal connections to the Hostfest.  For years in Minot, I worked for Reiten Broadcasting. The Norsk Hostfest was company owner and former Minot mayor the latr Chet Reiten's passion project.  The festival is a non-profit event to raise funds to promote Scandinavian culture.  It's been a huge success and is entering it's 43rd year. The Hostfest is by far North America's largest Sandinavian festival attracting tens of thousands of Nordic nuts to North Dakota from all over the world.

Although pandemic-wise, things appear to be moving in a positive direction, once again the Norsk Hostfest has made an early exit from the festival circuit. Cancelling in 2021 was probably an easier decision than one would think. The international logistics alone would be unmanageable.  There may be quarantine requirements, and many participants just wouldn't be agreeable to doing any international travel this year.  As a not-for-profit organization, the Norsk Hostfest heavily relies on hundreds of volunteers along with the donation of time and resources from a great many businesses and organizations from throughout the community. It's too much to organize and execute if it's uncertain loyal Hostfesters would even be willing to attend.

So sadly once again I salute the Norsk Hostfest for being forward thinking and making plans for a return in 2022.

Real shame is...Minot's never had so many empty hotel rooms.