Over 90 years ago, Stoughton’s Mandt Lodge (#314) was established and it is still an active organization today. Anyone who is interested in Norway, its people and its culture is welcome to join the society, attend meetings or participate in its events.

The society’s mission is to promote Norwegian heritage, culture and traditions and its worldwide membership is over 58,000 people. The Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge is one of 380 lodges across North America and Norway that belong to the Sons of Norway international fraternal benefit society. The Norwegian Dancers’ lively and authentic performances are one of the cultural highlights of the Syttende Mai festival, so be sure to catch them during the three-day event.

Being a part of this group is both an honor and a time commitment, but students who participate often travel across the nation to perform. Many students audition for the limited number of openings each year, but the selection criteria rigorous. Norwegian Dance group membership is limited to Stoughton Area High School students. The group has pairs of male and female dancers as well as musicians who play the folk dance music. For over 60 years, the high school dance group has been pleasing audiences with their lively and athletic performances and beautiful bunad costumes. Syttende Mai festival goers will want to watch one of the weekend’s traditional Norwegian dance performances from the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers.

All residents of the state are honorary Norwegians for the weekend and are urged to observe Syttende Mai with appropriate celebrations!Īfter the reading of the Proclamation, our own Norwegian Dancers will perform outdoors at the Capitol. Representative Gary Hebl will read the Wisconsin State Legislature's joint resolution proclaiming the weekend of May 13, 14, to be Syttende Mai Weekend in the state of Wisconsin. on Thursday of Festival Week at the Capitol building in Madison. A state-wide celebration of Syttende Mai begins at 12 p.m.

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