The Southeast Alaska town of Petersburg turns into a Viking and Valkyries bonanza at the annual four-day Little Norway Festival. The festival celebrates Norwegian heritage and is held in honor of Syttende Mai –- Norwegian Constitution Day. Events include a Viking parade, a Scandinavian-themed show and an event named "Kaffe Hus" held at the Sons of Norway hall, where visitors can sample traditional Norwegian pastries, cookies and open-faced sandwiches. And, of course, there's plenty of coffee.
The Petersburg hall was the first Sons of Norway fraternal lodge built in Alaska. It was built in 1912 to stage civil and social community events and was used as an armory during WWII and later as a basketball court. The hall remains the main community center in town, hosting private and public events and classes that help preserve the Norwegian heritage that is so prominent in Petersburg to this day.
The Little Norway Festival runs from Thursday, May 19 to Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Petersburg.