History hasn’t been kind to the Vikings, what with the talk of pillage and destruction (it’s exaggerated!). But two events next week can change that.
Start with the annual Viking Fest on May 16 at Owls Head Park in Bay Ridge. This year’s theme? “Touched by the Vikings” (which is perhaps not the best theme when you’re trying to dodge the “pillage” label).
The festival will feature rides, Scandinavian crafts, Swedish folk dancers and Turkish drummers. There will also be pickled herring and fiskepudding (but you knew that!).
“Our goal is to share Scandinavian culture with the larger community,” said Victoria Hofmo, founder of the Scandinavian East Coast Museum. “It will be educational and kitsch.”
A little less kitsch, alas; one of the highlights, a half-size replica Viking ship, was cancelled this year (apparently, even Viking descendents are feeling the recession).
The next day is the Norwegian Constitution Day Parade, which culminates in the official crowning of Miss Norway of Greater New York.
Beauty queens? Maybe the Vikings weren’t so fearsome after all.
Viking Fest at Owls Head Park (68th Street and Colonial Road in Bay Ridge), Saturday, May 16, noon-5 pm. Free. For info, call (718) 748-5950; Constitution Day Parade (begins at 90th Street and Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge and marches up to Leif Erikson Park, 67th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues), May 17, 1:30 pm. Free. For info, call (718) 745-6653.
