While the Seattle area media might have been laser focused on the regional embarrassment that is Hempfest this weekend (Doritos, anyone?), there was a more noble event happening at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard. People there were on a high simply due to getting together to celebrate their common past through food, historical reenactments, music, and art.
Viking Days is an annual celebration of Nordic culture held on the grounds of this circa 1907 cultural center in Ballard. It celebrates the heritage of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, with exhibits inside the museum dedicated to each country.
Much of the museum is dedicated to creating an understanding of how Nordic immigrants lived and came to the United States, but there are also modern features such as the stunning collection of Ørnulf Opdahl paintings currently on display.
Whether or not you are of Nordic descent, this site is worth a visit as an experience in history and understanding a large part of the Seattle area’s heritage. Many people are quick to make good-natured jokes about Ballard without truly understanding how important it is to the Nordic people who have roots there.
There was no admission charge to the festival or museum this weekend. Regular admission is inexpensive, making this a great educational family outing, and the staff is friendly. The museum offers classes in woodworking, beer tasting, rosemaling, dance and other subjects, hosts events throughout the year (including concerts), and has children’s programs.
Here are some photos from today. As always, click on them to make them bigger. First, a sampling of Viking shields:
A small Viking village complete with weapons and handicrafts:
Guess this guy was guarding the weapons while village residents utilized the Fjorda Pottis:
It would not have been surprising if Ragnar Lodbrok himself popped out of one of these tents given the company. History Channel fans, did you know that Lodbrok means “hairy britches” and his real surname might have been Sigurdsson?
The museum itself, with its six respective flags flying proudly in front of the building. And no, that’s not the IKEA flag. It actually belongs to a country. If it makes you hungry for meatballs, I’ll bet you own at least six pieces of furniture that you put together with tiny metal pegs and maddening wordless directions.
Lastly, some gorgeous examples of Norwegian rosemaling, which first developed as a style around 1750. The museum also has some great vintage examples inside, as well as some period costumes and wooden chests that would make an antiques collector salivate. One hand-carved behemoth dates to about 1644.
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When the age of the Vikings came to a close, they must have sensed it. Probably, they gathered together one evening, slapped each other on the back and said, “Hey, good job.” -Jack Handey
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Truth, Justice, and All-American Allergen-Free Apple Pie 
Seriously, what do you think?