Spring is here once again so that means it’s time to join the Norwegian-American 17th of May Committee in celebrating the 57th Annual Norwegian Constitution Day Parade, May 18 at 1:30 p.m. on Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge.
The theme for the 2008 Parade is “Salute to Norwegian Explorers.” A number of local New York bands will be providing music for the expected 100,000 spectators along the parade route. Additionally, Norwegian band the Kvinesdal Musikkorps will be on hand to provide entertainment, as will a Mummers Band, the Denville String Band from Denville, New Jersey.
The lineup of over 10,000 expected marchers will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Fifth Avenue and 88th, 89th and 90th streets and the parade will step off promptly at 1:30 p.m., rain or shine, and proceed north along Fifth Avenue to 67th Street. They will then turn right and march up 67th Street past the grandstand, which will be located on the south side of Leif Erikson Park between Sixth and Seventh avenues.
A short program will follow the parade at 3:30 p.m. at the reviewing stand and the guest speaker will be Barry Farber. The winner of the Miss Norway Contest will also be formally crowned by Liv Finborud, the Consul General of Norway. Greetings from local representatives will also be heard.
As part of the pre-parade festivities, the Church Group of the 17th of May Committee will hold its annual 17th of May Church Rally at 6:30 p.m., May 10 at the Norwegian Christian Home, 1270 67th Street. The rally program will feature guest speaker, Pastor Bob Isaksen, along with musical selections from Ingrid Olsson Feingold. A freewill offering will be received and refreshments will be served following the program.
For more, contact Evald Olson at 718-745-6653, e-mail evald48@msn.com or visit their Web site at www.may17paradeny.com.
