The St. Croix Valley Syttende Mai Society will hold its 45th annual observance of Norway’s Constitution Day on Tuesday May 17, at the Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center located at 2800 Curve Crest Blvd. in Stillwater, Minn. There is free parking and the building is handicap accessible.

In Norwegian, “Syttende Mai” means 17th of May and is often thought of as the country’s “4th of July.” Comparing it to our Independence Day is appropriate because Norway’s Constitution was patterned after the American Constitution.

Activities will begin with social hour at 5 p.m. A dinner of typical Norse food will be served at 6 p.m. and at 7 p.m. we will be treated to Norwegian music and stories by Rev. Gunnar Kristiansen, who is the present pastor at Mindekirken Church (Norwegian Memorial) in Minneapolis. He was born in Bodo, Norway and has been a chaplain and family therapist in the mental health care system for many years. Pastor Kristiansen has many interesting stories about his life in Norway and this should be an enjoyable evening for everyone.

The banquet is open to the public. Reservations can be sent to Janet Ziebell, 13945 Upper 58th St. N, Apt. 221, Oak Park Hts., MN 55082. Reservations will be accepted until May 12. Admission is $28 per person. For more information call, Roger Bosmoe at 651-439-9423.

Submitted by St. Croix Valley Syttende Mai Society