Lobsterfest and LOV
Third District Sons of Norway enjoys a weekend of festivities, fun, and food
Victoria Hofmo
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Photo courtesy of Land of the Vikings
Excitement and the smell of melted butter were in the air at Land of the Vikings this Aug. 17-19 during Third District Sons of Norway’s annual Lobsterfest. The event sold out, with 50 guests staying for the weekend and another 33 coming to dinner.
What better way is there to celebrate the summer season than by consuming the delectable crustacean known as lobster? Even places far from the sea indulge and hold festivals in honor of this tender meat, doused in obscene amounts of melted butter. And LOV—aka Land of the Vikings—does it with a vengeance.
Tucked away in bucolic northeastern Pennsylvania near Sherman, LOV is a Third District Sons of Norway endeavor created in 1978. Its mission is “to have a place that Third District members and friends can come and enjoy, [have] peace and relaxation, and learn more about their heritage with the cultural programs that are offered.”
LOV recently went through difficult financial times, but through the perspiration of many, many folks, it has now turned a corner. One reason for the change of course is the fun weekend-long festivities they offer, like LOV Lobsterfest.
With much work, dedication, preparation, and a ton of fun, Ellen Lindstrom and Bob Carlsen took on the challenge of hosting the event for the last three years. This means taking charge of activities and entertainment. The event has become so popular that it sold out this year, with approximately 50 guests staying over and about 33 locals who came solely for the lobster dinner event.
This year’s Lobsterfest was held over the weekend of Aug. 17-19. On Friday night, people socialized and played cards. The highlight was, of course, the Saturday Lobster Dinner. There was prime rib on the menu as well, all lip-smacking food prepared by the staff of LOV.
Photo courtesy of Land of the Vikings
Bob Carlsen and Ellen Lindstrom dressed up for the occasion.
Dressed as a full-sized human lobster, Carlsen, along with Lindstrom dressed as a squid, led the nautical themed games. One of them was “name that tune,” as Lindstrom played songs with a nautical or love focus. Also popular was a scavenger hunt to find a photo of a 26-pound lobster hidden in the room, with a free lobster dinner for the lucky winner. Lindstrom continued to play lively accordion tunes and emceed while the audience had the chance to dance. Carlsen reported, “It was a great success financially, and in terms of fellowship and fun.”
When Lindstrom was asked how the weekend had gone, she sent an enthusiastic recap: “It was a ‘Lobster Roll’ at Land of the Vikings Lobsterfest. All came from near and far. Bob Carlsen was hosting and the lobsters and prime rib roasting! Ellen Lindstrom was squeezing, and the crowd was pleasing! Program was packed with non-stop, fun-filled activities, music, and dancing! And the Viking Bar was the place to share stories, tell jokes, and just sit back and relax! The proprietors and team did an excellent job rolling out the ‘Red Lobster Carpet’ to make sure everyone was treated like Norwegian royalty!”
Visit the Land of Vikings Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Landofthevikingslov.
This article originally appeared in the September 6, 2019, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.
