Volunteers come through to keep Nordicfest alive

Facing the possibility of dying out after a quarter-century, Libby Nordicfest put out a desperate plea for volunteers to keep the annual festival alive. The community responded in a big way on Friday evening during an organizational meeting to fill out a board aching for new faces.

Lisa Oedewaldt, Nordicfest president, didn’t know what to expect at the do-or-die gathering. After arriving a little early to set up for the 6 p.m. meeting at the Venture Inn, a few people at a time trickled in. Then by 6:15, approximately 25 people were on hand to offer their support.

“It’s really a tribute to Libby … when it was threatened, the community really stepped up,” Oedewaldt said. “They didn’t want to see it go and neither did any of us.”

Outgoing board members were even on hand to help those who ended up volunteering for their positions.

Noelle Gilmore, who is fairly new to the business community with Northwest Motor Sports, got the ball rolling.

“Noelle Gilmore stepped up and said that she would take over the crafts position,” Oedewaldt said. “Then one by one, the people who came to share and listen started to volunteer and in a matter of an hour-and-a-half, the fate of Nordicfest was decided.”

Nordicfest has been a part of the Libby festival lineup since 1985 when June McMahon developed the idea.

Along with Gilmore, Nordicfest’s other new board members include Jennifer Wilson and Rick Tuin (co-vice presidents), Rita Barnett (secretary), Les Nelson (fundraising), Michelle Mercer (royalty/information booth), Pam Peppenger (parade), and Frank Hendrickson and Rey Eanes (outdoor entertainment).

Oedewaldt and Ally Frost will share responsibilities with souvenirs. Frost is in charge of public relations with other established board positions held by Jan Erickson (food booths), Freda Howard (education), Helen Clark (treasurer), and Clarence and Verna Johnson (property management).

Nordicfest’s first public meeting is coming up on Feb. 2. The new volunteers will receive welcome packets and work will begin right away to get caught up for preparations for the 2010 version of the festival.