Thursday, May 18
Cardiology 101: Keeping Your Heart Healthy
5:30 p.m. online
Heart disease and stroke claim more lives per year than all forms of cancer combined per the American Heart Association. Join Advanced Practice Nurse, Tina DeGroot, to learn more about this preventable and manageable disease. Tina will discuss how the heart works, lifestyle choices that affect the heart, and medications that are used to prevent and treat heart disease.
To register for this free online class, visit stoughtonhealth.com and click on “Classes and Events.” Participants will receive a class link (Zoom meeting) and call-in phone number. For more information, contact Kelly at 608-877-3498.
Friday, May 19
Canoe the Yahara River - 46th Annual 3.5-Mile Paddle
6:30 p.m., Friday, May 19
The Syttende Mai Canoe Route is 3.5-mile going down the Yahara River, with one portage at the Forton Street Bridge in downtown Stoughton ending near Mandt Park on Riverside Drive. The traditional race launch point is 2714 Yahara Rd, 53589.
Movie: Top Gun Maverick
1 p.m., Stoughton Area Senior Center, 248 W. Main St.
After 30 years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads Top Gun’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who choose to fly it.
Stoughton Community Blood Drive
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, 825 S. Van Buren St., Stoughton
For an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code: StoughtonWI You can save up to 15 minutes when you donate blood by using RapidPass! Visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass for more information.
Dimension in sound and the Studio Orchestra community concert
7-8:30 p.m., Stoughton High School Performing Arts Center, 600 Lincoln Ave.
Dimensions in Sound & The Studio Orchestra are performing a joint community concert at the Stoughton High School Performing Arts Center on May 19. Come hear big band music of the 1930s, ’40s and early ’50s by Dimensions in Sound and songs ranging from classical to Broadway show tunes, to popular standards by The Studio Orchestra. Learn more about DISSO at disso.org
Saturday, May 20
Syttende Mai Walk-Run events
17-MILE WALK
7 a.m.
The 37th annual Syttende Mai Classic (untimed) 17-mile walk loop course starts and ends at Mandt Park, following the vibrant downtown, serene residential neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery through the Yahara River Trail and Viking Dog Park.
2-MILE LIL' RUN
7:45 a.m.
29th Annual 2-Mile Community Run/Walk
10-MILE RUN
7:45 a.m.
The fifth annual Syttende Mai Classic 10-Mile Run loop course starts and ends at Mandt Park, following the vibrant downtown, serene residential neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery through the Yahara River Trail
20-MILE RUN
7:30 a.m.
The 51st annual Syttende Mai Classic 20-Mile Run is one of Wisconsin's longest running races. The loop course starts and ends at Mandt Park, following the vibrant downtown, serene residential neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery through the Yahara River Trail and Viking Dog Park. The timing chips start with the opening shot, so don't be late!
Syttende Mai events at Stoughton Opera House
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St.
Visit the opera house for free open house tours, Norwegian music and craft demonstrations. Freewill donations are accepted.
Friends of the Stoughton Library · Pie Sale
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stoughton Public Library Carnegie Room, Lower Level, 304 S. Fourth St.
The sale will feature homemade pies (plain or à la mode), breads, and cupcakes, coffee, milk, soda and water.
Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge Bake Sale and Selected Menu
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mandt Lodge, 317 S. Page Street
A la carte luncheon buffet including Norwegian and American items. We’ll have varme pølse (wieners in lefse), potatoes, barbeque, meatballs, herring, baked goods, lefse, rømmegrøt, søt suppe (fruit soup), riskrem (rice pudding), cucumber salad, fish chowder, warm red cabbage, and beverages until we run out!
Reservations are not needed for the inside meals. All items are priced individually. We are handicapped accessible with a lift located on the south side of the building. Carry-out containers will be available for the parade on Sunday, if you want to take food home, or eat downtown in the Entertainment Tent (just over the bridge in the back of the lodge).
Nordic Fiddles
9:30 a.m., Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St.
Celebrate Norwegian by heritage listening to folk tunes played on the Hardanger Fiddle, often called Norway’s National Instrument. Nordic Fiddles is a group of talented local students, taught by Carlyce Skjervem.
Viking Games - 8th Annual Strongman Competition
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 20
Divided by weight class, male and female athletes battle to be the best in five unique challenges testing strength, stamina and heart. Competitors go head-to-head in contests such as the Atlas Stone, Conan’s Wheel, Frame/Hercules Hold, Tire Flip, and Viking Press. This is a regional event sanctioned by United States Strongman, Inc. Viking Games competitors have an opportunity to qualify for U.S.S.C. Nationals.
Edvard Grieg Chorus
11:30 a.m., Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St.
For over 90 years, Madison’s Edvard Grieg men’s chorus has performed Norwegian, spiritual and secular songs for the public. The choir is named for one of Norway’s most famous concert pianists and composers. Grieg’s Romantic-era music borrowed from Norway’s traditional folk music themes and gave the country a national music identity.
Virtual Author Visit: Courtney Summers
1-2 p.m. online
The Stoughton Public LIbrary hosts this free online event with bestselling and critically acclaimed young adult author Courtney Summers will talk about her newest novel ”I’m the Girl.” A recording will be available if you can’t watch live. Visit stolib.org/vav for details.
Scandinavian Old Time Dance Music Ensemble
2 p.m. Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St.
The Scandinavian-American Old Time Dance Music Ensemble, based out of Madison, will perform traditional music from Scandinavian immigrants who settled in the Driftless region. The Scandinavian-American Old Time Dance Music Ensemble is a new group that was organized last January by the Sustaining Scandinavian Folk Arts in the Upper Midwest at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Stoughton Norwegian Dancers
2 p.m., King Oscar Festival Tent: Division Street
3:45 and 5:30 p.m (with alumni)., Community Building (next to River Bluff Middle School)
For 70 years, the Stoughton High School dance group has been pleasing audiences with their lively and athletic performances and beautiful bunad costumes. The group has pairs of male and female dancers as well as musicians who play folk dance music. Many students audition for the limited number of openings each year, but the selection criteria are rigorous. 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.
Norse Costume Style Show
2:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington St.
Stoughton’s 46th annual bunad style show is an opportunity to see these beautiful costumes including bunad jewelry called “sølje” up close, and hear about how and when it was designed in each region of Norway. More importantly the story of each model’s bunad is told and why it is so cherished and passed down to future generations.
Sons Of Norway-Mandt Lodge Norwegian Style Bingo
5 p.m., Mandt Lodge, 317 S. Page St.
Join the Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge for a night of bingo, Norwegian style. Food is served at 5 p.m. and again during the bingo break. Players can expect an evening of fun and cash prizes.
Norse Costume Style Show
2:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington St.
[²bʉːnɑd], plural: bunader/bunadar) is a Norwegian umbrella term encompassing, in its broadest sense, a range of both traditional rural clothes (mostly dating to the 19th and 18th centuries) as well as modern 20th-century folk costumes. They may be elaborate with embroidery or use expensive fabrics such as damask or brocade. In Norway today, bunads are worn by both men and women for special occasions such as confirmations, weddings, and of course on Syttende Mai.
Stoughton’s 46th annual bunad style show is an opportunity to see these beautiful costumes including bunad jewelry called “sølje” up close, and hear about how and when it was designed in each region of Norway. More importantly the story of each model’s bunad is told and why it is so cherished and passed down to future generations.
Sunday, May 21
American Legion Post 59 Breakfast
7:30-11:30 a.m., American Legion Post 59, 803 N. Page St.
Norwegian church service
10:30 a.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 700 County Road B
The public is invited to attend the Sunday worship service at Christ Lutheran Church. Listen to the sounds of Norway while the celebrant sings part of the traditional Norwegian liturgy. The Edvard Grieg men’s chorus of Madison, will have some recorded performances replayed during service.
The service ends with the singing of one of Norway’s patriotic songs “Ja,Vi Elsker Dette Landet,” or “Yes, we love this land,” also known as “Song for Norway.” After the service, the church will serve a lunch with meatballs, herring, cucumber salad, red cabbage, Swedish rye bread, fruit salad, rømmegrøt (pudding), rice pudding, kringle (filled pastry), krumkake (waffle cookie), lefse (flatbread), coffee and still more Norwegian goodies. There is no admission fee, but goodwill donations are welcome.
69th Annual Norwegian Parade
1:30-3:30 p.m., Main Street, Stoughton
Parade route: Begins at Mandt Park and goes to Stoughton Plaza. The parade begins with law enforcement, safety and military veterans’ color guards. You’ll see clowns, dancers and gymnasts perform. You’ll listen to marching bands and local music stations. Businesses sponsor floats, athletes march and this year’s Syttende Mai king and queen will wear their traditional costumes, or bunads, as they ride in style. Parade goers will enjoy the spontaneous entertainment and fun at the
Syttende Mai Youth Parade
Children and children’s groups line up on South Monroe and West Main Street and march to Mandt Park. Friends, family and festival goers line the streets to support and view the kids. Viewers will see a marching band, gymnasts, BMX cyclists and daycare groups in the parade. The Syttende Mai poppy prince and princess reign over the spectacle and wear their traditional costumes, or bunads.
Stoughton Norwegian Dancers performance
3:45 p.m., Community Building (next to River Bluff Middle School)
Monday, May 22
Global Heritage Night
5-7:30 p.m., Stoughton High School gymnasium, 600 Lincoln Ave.
People are welcome to come celebrate the diverse culture of Stoughton through food, fun, music, and dance and this free family event, organized by SHS Undivided Club. For more information, email deanna.roberson@stoughton.k12.wi.us.
Tuesday, May 23
Stoughton City Council meeting
7 p.m. Council Chambers, 2nd Floor of Public Safety Building, 321 South Fourth St. Or live streamed on wsto.tv/live and Spectrum Channel 981 or on TDS Channel 12.
Wednesday, May 24
Page Turners-Book Discussion Group
1 p.m., Stoughton Area Senior Center, 248 W. Main St.
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad: A memoir of the harrowing years the author spent in early adulthood fighting leukemia and how she learned to live again while forging connections with other survivors of profound illness and suffering. Email storef@stolib.org or call 608-873- 6281 for more information or to be added to the email reminder list for the group.
Thursday, May 25
The Blue Moon Klezmer Band
1 p.m., Stoughton Area Senior Center, 248 W. Main St.
Klezmer is the traditional music of celebration from the Jewish people of Eastern Europe. The genre consists mainly of instrumental dance tunes for weddings and celebrations. The band consists of clarinet, violin, cello, bass, piano, accordion and percussion.
Brat Fest Fundraiser for the Senior Center
Pick-up from 11 a.m. to noon or dine-in at 11:30 a.m.
Join us for a brat meal including chips, condiments, and we’ll even throw in a cookie made by Kim! Donations raised will go toward the Stoughton Area Senior Center’s annual requirement to raise $29,500 towards its operational budget. Call 608-873- 8585 to reserve your meal to pick-up or to dine-in at the center.
Teen Rainbow Skirts at the library
3:30-5 p.m., Stoughton Public Library, 304 S. Fourth St.
We’ll provide all the materials you need to make a beautiful skirt with all the colors of the rainbow. Ages 11-16. No registration required.
Gazebo Musikk - The Straight 8’s Band
6-7:30 p.m., Rotary Park, downtown Stoughton (next to Fire Department)
