Here come the Vikings

Published 3:00 pm Saturday, May 20, 2006

POULSBO — Known as the Viking City, Little Norway makes the annual return to its roots today as the 38th annual Viking Fest sails in replete with Vikings and bunads aplenty.

While the carnival, Viking Village and all other activities aren’t scheduled to begin until 10 a.m., the Poulsbo Noon Lions will be hard at work as the Poulsbo Armory will be filled with the smells of breakfast. Its 34th annual pancake breakfast will go from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and Sunday.

Runners will hit the city streets as the 28th annual Viking Fest Road Race kicks off at 9 a.m. at Sixth Avenue and Harrison Street.

By 10 a.m., Viking Village and the carnival will welcome the throngs of visitors expected for this weekend’s activities. Both will remain open until 10 p.m.

At around 11 a.m. the tempting aromas from the numerous food vendors, bakeries and coffee shops in downtown should offer something to please even the most gourmet of festival-goers. The Sons of Norway will lead the way with its Scandinavian luncheon featuring open-faced sandwiches, split pea soup and a host of baked goods. The luncheon will go from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After the lunch hour, kids of all ages will begin lining Front Street for this year’s parade. The grand marshals of this year’s parade are two teachers from Poulsbo Junior High School, who were nominated by their students.

Poulsbo RV sponsored the contest, which asked local students to write letters telling why their teacher should lead this year’s parade, and after a successful first year, organizers have plans to make it a long-standing tradition.

The highlight of Sunday’s activities will undoubtedly be the lutefisk eating contest as contestants

Lutefisk eating contest legend Charles Jensen will be looking for a taste of redemption as the competition is set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Kvelstad Pavilion.

Last year, Jensen was eliminated in the first round as Eric Perkins reclaimed the title by eating less than three pounds.