Nordicfest will continue in Libby

Ultimately, it only took three responses to help encourage Libby Nordicfest Inc. to bring Libby the 31st installment of their annual festival.

In early December, the organization reached out to the community to gauge their interest in the continuation of the event, the response was underwhelming.

“We only got two responses, two by phone, and then I ran into another person in Rosauers and they all said the same thing,” said new Nordicfest board president Ray Eanes. “They said please keep it going, because we need it for Libby.”

The minimal feedback was disappointing, Eanes said, but nobody said the group should hang up their hats just yet. So they’re not.

At the monthly Nordicfest meeting at the Sons of Norway Hall on Tuesday, board members finished their potluck meal before introducing the reshuffled board to the press and proclaiming the show will go on. “We’re kind of going from year-to-year at this point,” Eanes said.

Board member Pam Peppenger maintained her belief the festival would take place. “There was never a doubt. Those of us on the board knew we could do it,” she said. “It will be scaled-down, but just as great.”

Several entertainment options from previous years will not be on the schedule for this year’s festival. Last year, the fjord horses that were a 27-year staple at the event were a late no-show and will not be returning this year. The street dance two years ago was a bust, with showing up, and will not take place.

With the film festival last year receiving limited attendance, whether it will be part of this year’s festival is still up in the air. Peppenger said they’re discussing the possibilities with the venue’s owner to see if they can get it together.

Minus those events, the board expects a full menu of food vendors, juried craft show entrants, a quilt show, parade floats and several outdoor music performers.

Planning for the next Nordicfest starts as soon as the event is finished. “Organizing all the pieces really hits Jan. 1; we work year-round,” Peppenger said.

Over the years the size of the board has decreased by at least half, which leaves current members with a full load of responsibilities. “With just seven of us it’s a lot of work, but we do it because we love it. You can’t just stand by, you’ve got to get involved,” Eanes said.

Drawing interest from younger people is a priority for the group, but exactly how to go about it has so far befuddled the board members. They offer $150 to the winning applicants for prince and princess of Nordicfest, which entails attending a few parades, but last year they had to crown two princesses because no boys applied.

The organization also offers a $1,500 scholarship to a graduating senior who writes the winning 500 to 700-word essay about their heritage and what it means to them.

Board member secretary Freda Howard joined the board in 2008. She’s organizing a troll relay she will give a test run at the end of the school year for elementary students. Howard hopes to build enthusiasm for the event that attracted few kids at last year’s event. “Part of the race is throwing a toy goat into a crock pot, because trolls love goat. And they also have to capture a Viking, with hopping and skipping in between,” said Howard.

Eanes said the Nordicfest board members are a dedicated group. “There has to be a death in the family or a broken arm for somebody to miss a meeting,” she said.

Eanes said the festival is good for Libby’s economy and provides great free entertainment for the community. “I love Libby, I think it’s a great little town, friendly and helpful. I believe in Libby and I believe in Nordicfest,” said Eanes.