After a one-year hiatus in 2025, the Miss Norway of Greater New York Pageant returned on March 28 at the Norwegian Christian Home and Health Center in Dyker Heights. Now in its 67th year, the event brought together community members to celebrate Norwegian heritage, culture and achievement ahead of the borough’s storied 17th of May Parade.
The evening was hosted by Brian Anderson, former commissioner of the New York City Department of Records, who introduced each contestant. Members of the NYPD Viking Association escorted contestants, and music was provided by pianist Alex Petrone.
Contestants, ranging in age from 17 to 28, included Katherine Chuliver, Olivia Riise Kongevold, Kaitlyn Lorentzen, Annika Kristiane Rell, Baylyn Shankman, Grace Reinertsen and Madison Sottile.
Following deliberation by a panel of five judges, Kongevold was crowned Miss Norway, and Shankman was crowned Miss Heritage.
Amanda Luzniak, who was crowned Miss Norway in 2024, also addressed attendees. She joked about holding the title for two years due to the pageant’s cancellation in 2025.
“I’m filled with so much gratitude for this spectacular moment, and to have held the title not for just one year, but two,” Luzniak said. “It’s so amazing.”
Founded in 1954, the Miss Norway pageant is held annually in a section of Brooklyn long considered the center of Scandinavian-American life in New York City. Unlike conventional beauty competitions, the event emphasizes cultural knowledge, public speaking and community involvement. Contestants are evaluated on their understanding of Norwegian heritage and their ability to represent the community.
The competition serves as a precursor to Brooklyn’s annual 17th of May Parade, also known as the Norwegian Day Parade. First held in 1952, the march commemorates Norway’s Constitution Day and celebrates the ideals of independence and cultural pride rooted in the 1814 signing of the Norwegian Constitution.
Each year, the parade draws thousands to Bay Ridge, where marchers in traditional bunad dress, marching bands and cultural groups move through the neighborhood alongside that year’s Miss Norway.
Reflecting on her experience, Luzniak emphasized the deeper meaning of the pageant.
“Being Miss Norway and traveling to Norway gave me a new appreciation for where my roots are from,” she said. “That’s what this competition is all about — celebrating each other, our heritage, strength and girlhood, and being able to represent something that is bigger than ourselves.”
This year’s parade will step off at 1 p.m. on May 17, from 85th Street and Third Avenue. The route will proceed through Bay Ridge along Third Avenue, turn onto 75th Street, continue up Fifth Avenue and conclude at 67th Street, where post-parade festivities are expected to take place.
