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Norwegian events scheduled at North Idaho Museum

| August 7, 2010 9:00 PM

COEUR d'ALENE - The Museum of North Idaho is featuring Scandinavian demonstrations in conjunction with the feature exhibit "Nordic Roots Run Deep" and the centennial of the local Sons of Norway lodge.

Marge and Dennis Johnson, Springhill Fjords, will show a Fjord horse at the far end of the Museum parking lot from 2-4 p.m. today. These Norwegian horses "are considered among the oldest and purest horse breeds in the world," according to a recent article in Viking magazine.

They are thought to have migrated to Norway from Asia more than 4,000 years ago; however, they have been imported to North America only in the last 50 years. Their tremendous versatility and good-natured disposition are but two of their endearing traits.

Also today, Judy Stebbins will offer Norwegian cookies and chilled fruit soup.

The International Sons of Norway members are holding their convention in Coeur d'Alene from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.

On Sunday, Aug. 29, from 1-3:30 p.m., the Johansen family of Johansen Textiles in Mullan will bring a loom to illustrate how they create Finnish rugs, table runners and placemats. The couple has studied weaving techniques in Finland and import most of their fabrics from there, but the weaving tradition in their family dates back to Danish great-grandparents.

Also on Aug. 29, Fjord horses, a mare and foal will be on display near the museum.

On Monday, Aug. 30, the Museum of North Idaho will be open special hours, from 6-8 p.m.

Other programs scheduled this fall include:

Saturday, Sept. 18, 2-4 p.m., Ebba Ostrom and friends will share Scandinavian cookies and Swedish costumes.

Saturday, Oct. 2, 2-4 p.m., Lefsa baking. Jan Olsen will show how this "Norwegian Tortilla" is prepared and eaten.

Saturday, Oct. 9, 2-4 p.m., Leif Erikson Day will be celebrated at the museum with Fjord horses, Pamla Silk teaching people to create the red and white woven hearts so common on Scandinavian Christmas trees, be they Danish, Swedish or Norwegian. Visitors can also make a Viking magnet. These activities will be the museum's Art From the Heart event. And just to show the museum's heart is really in the right place Barbara and Asbjorn Rostad will serve heart-shaped Norwegian waffles.

Saturday, Oct. 16, 2-4 p.m., Danish abelskiver, will be prepared by Inger Aagesen.

Saturday, Oct. 30, 2-4 p.m., Asbjorn Rostad will demonstrate the making of krum kake, a favorite Norwegian holiday cookie. The Norway native took this job over from his wife one Christmas, later received an electric krum kake maker, and now churns them out by the dozens in short order. Come see how it's done and sample the cardamom-flavored cookie.