Dancers debut successful new fundraiser

Junior Nordic Dancers pictured wearing live floral crowns at Nordic Fest Opening Ceremonies, l-r- Kennedy Carlson, Rachel Weis, Leah Garcia-Prats, Molly Kuehner and Gracelynn Tangen. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

By Samantha Ludeking, Driftless Journal Production Manager

Monday, August 14, 2023 1:29 pm

Junior Nordic Dancers pictured wearing live floral crowns at Nordic Fest Opening Ceremonies, l-r- Kennedy Carlson, Rachel Weis, Leah Garcia-Prats, Molly Kuehner and Gracelynn Tangen. (Driftless Multimedia photos by Roz Weis)

A popular new activity at Nordic Fest this year was making live floral crowns, a fundraiser for the Decorah Nordic Dancers. As the Junior Dancers transition to Senior Dancers, they were excited to carry out some of the fundraising efforts they had been planning for some time. 

With a selection of live flowers and materials, supplied by Ladybug Landscapes and Decorah Floral, Festgoers were able to sit down and create their own colorful crowns. The ever-popular dainty silk floral options were still available for purchase as well this year.

“We really want to go to Norway,” Anita Weis exclaimed as she detailed fundraising efforts for this group’s trip. Current Junior Nordic Dance directors Anita and Al Weis, Amanda Huinker, Ann Grimstad and Marcie Dodd will stay on as the junior dancers become senior dancers. 

The group also sold Nordic gear prior to the fest, with the help of LetterWerks Sign City, on Water Street during the Fest. Apparel, horns, helmets, flags, floral headbands and more, they work to have a good assortment of merchandise for all ages and price ranges. A raffle with prize packages from local businesses adds to the funds raised.

“These dancers really are Decorah ambassadors, and the businesses here support them,” Anita added.

A number of Decorah High School students earning silver cord hours helped at the dancers’ booth and Hacker, Nelson, & Co. supplied tables, chairs and tents to make it possible.  

As far as the live floral crowns, they’ll be back. “We’ve received tons of positive feedback and it was fun,” concluded Anita. 

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