The Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival has been named
one of the top 10 events in Minnesota. The Fargo – Moorhead area annually
celebrates their proud Scandinavian Heritage and warmly welcomes all visitors to
join in the festivities. You’re invited, too!
Day 1: En route
we’ll take time for an on your own coffee break before arriving at the Hjemkomst
Festival around 1 pm. You’ll have your choice of many mouthwatering
ethnic/American
foods
to satisfy your taste buds for lunch on your own. The entire afternoon is yours
to leisurely stroll through the Festival grounds. Enjoy the Swedish Midsummer
Dance, Folk Dance Expo and other ethnic entertainment. See the Norwegian Fjord
& Gudbrandsdal Horses, the Viking Age Encampment including demonstrations,
folk art, and the Scandinavain Marketplace composed of more than 50 booths!
Enjoy the colors of the many Scandinavian folk costumes and discover the
intricate skills behind the Scandinavian Arts. If you’re interested in tracing
your family roots, there is an excellent Genealogy
Resource Center open for public use. Be sure to see the Hjemkomst
Viking Ship, built in 1982, which actually sailed the 6,100 miles from
Duluth, Minnesota to Bergen, Norway. This ship was designed and co
nstructed
according to the original Viking Ship, which sailed to Duluth. Another unique
and beautiful attraction is the Stavkirke, an exact replica of the
Stavkirke in Vik, Norway, dating from the 1100’s. “Stave Churches” are
beautifully crafted and made entirely of wood, from the intricately hand-carved
area around the front door to the huge pine columns supporting the church roof.
Bring your camera!
The afternoon will pass so quickly! After leaving the
festival we’ll relax and freshen up at our home-away-from-home, the Travel
Lodge & Suites in Fargo, before our included dinner at the highly
recommended Northtown Grill. The evening is still young, so we’ll enjoy
a ride on the S.S. Ruby Pontoon, with our knowledgeable captain telling
us about the history, geography, and wildlife that live in and along the Red
River. After our boat ride we’ll return to our hotel for a good night’s
rest.
Day 2: After
our included breakfast of waffles, muffins, bagels, cereals, juices and
coffee, we’ll depart for Alexandria, Minnesota, an area settled by
Norwegian immigrants. Of course, we’ll pay a visit to Big Ole, the
“much larger than life-size” statue of the Viking who proudly stands as a
landmark in Alexandria. We’ll be visiting the Runestone Museum, where
we will learn the story of the famous Kensington Rusestone, discovered nearby on
the property of a farmer in 1898. When it was eventually translated, it was
claimed to be an account of Norse explorers in
the 14th Century. The controversy as to its genuineness continues
among today’s scholars. The museum also features “the Snorri” a
Viking ship replica, as well as
Fort Alexandria,
a nearly exact replica of the Stockade constructed in 1862, containing several
original buildings, including a log house, school, and smoke house. An
agricultural building housing old farm
machinery is also located in the Fort.
Lifestyles of the pioneers and the Native Americans of the 1870’s can easily
be imagined during your visit.
We’ll have an included soup and sandwich lunch
at the Depot, a historic railroad depot, which has been converted into a
very interesting and unique restaurant with a lot of atmosphere. All aboard!
We’re headed to the nearby Carlos Creek Winery for a tour and wine tasting.
Feel free to walk around and enjoy their extensive apple orchards and one of
Minnesota’s largest Arabian horse facilities, too! Sit back, relax and leave
the driving to us as we head home after another weekend of wonderful memories.
We’ll stop en route for an on own dinner.
Boarding
Points/Departure Times:
Fairmont 5:50am/6:05am, Truman 6:20am/6:25am,
Madelia 6:40am/6:45am,
Lake Crystal 7:00am/7:05am,
Mankato 7:20am/7:30am
Cost:
Quad $149 Triple $159
Double $169 Single $209
Deadline:
May 26, 2004
Scandinavian
Hjemkomst Festival Reservation Form
Saturday
& Sunday, June 26 & 27, 2004
Cost: Quad $149, Triple $159, Double $169, Single
$209
Deadline:
May 26, 2004
Walking Ability: 3
Name(s)_______________________________ Nickname(s)___________________________
Address ________________________________ Boarding Pt __________________________
City
___________________________________ State ____________ Zip ________________
Phone ________________________ Email _________________________________________
Rooming
with ________________________________________________________________
Please
make Reservations and Payment to your Local CE Office or Travel Club.
I
(we)
have read and accept the policies of Pioneer Travel & Tour, Inc.
Signature(s)________________________________________________________ Tour #40626