MANDAN, N.D. — Dozens gathered in Mandan on Saturday for the Annual Sons of Norway Lutefisk, Meatballs and Lefse Dinner at the Mandan Eagles, celebrating Norwegian culture and holiday traditions. Though lutefisk dinners are often associated with Christmas, the event offered an early taste of the traditional Norwegian holiday specialty for residents of Bismarck and Mandan.
The Sons of Norway, an organization known for its dedication to Norwegian culture throughout North Dakota, hosted the gathering. Claire Berg, with Sons of Norway Lodge 4-107, shared details about the organization’s history, explaining it was founded approximately 150 years ago in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It began as an insurance company designed to assist immigrants facing illnesses or deaths in their families, and it continues to operate as an insurance company today.
Berg, whose grandparents immigrated from Norway after 1900, also detailed the origins of lutefisk. She described it as cod fish caught in the North Sea, traditionally processed and air-dried into large fillets for preservation during winter and long sea voyages. The fish is later reconstituted using water, followed by a lye solution. Berg noted that the use of lye was an accidental discovery, stemming from burnt branches used in cooking at one time. Lye helps break down the fish’s tough tissues, and its processing contributes to the distinct aroma often associated with lutefisk. While historically prepared through drying and rehydration, the dish is now commonly baked with butter, salt, and pepper. Lutefisk is known for being a polarizing dish, with people tending to either love or hate its unique flavor.
Support for the annual dinner comes from local boy scouts from both Mandan and Bismarck, who volunteer their time to assist with the event. These scouts help with tasks such as taking care of tables and dishes, allowing Sons of Norway members to focus on the cooking and serving. Berg described the boy scout troops as "wonderful to work with," appreciating their contribution. She added that their involvement provides the scouts with valuable experience and exposure to Norwegian culture, while also providing essential help for the event.
Among the volunteers was William Herold, a junior at Legacy High School and a Boy Scout. Herold observed a common thread among the attendees, noting that even if they didn't know each other personally, "they all know that they come from the same place." Herold, who has not yet tried the Norwegian delicacy himself, expressed appreciation for how the event brings people together and offers him a chance to experience different cultures outside of his everyday life.
