Sju-Lag Stevne in River Falls, Wisconsin

Torgeir Straand and Tone Jorunn Tveito are featured performers at this year's 7-lag stevne in River Falls, Wisconsin. To learn more, visit stevne.telelaget.com.

Sju-Lag Stevne (Norwegian words, sju [shoo] meaning “seven”; lag [lahg] meaning “group/s,” and stevne [stev-neh] meaning ”reunion” or “rally.” Join the 7-lag stevne at University of Wisconsin-River Falls from June 25-28, 2009. 

The annual Sju-Lag Stevne sponsored by Norwegian Stevner, Inc. (NSI), meets this year at the University  of Wisconsin-River Falls June 25-28. NSI is an umbrella organization for seven different groups, representing seven different areas of Norway: Telemark, Toten, Numedal, Sigdal, Hadeland, Land, and Ringerike Drammen District.  The groups rotate in hosting the annual stevne. This year’s host is Telelaget, representing Telemark.   The coordinator is Telelaget’s president, John Haugo from Hudson, Wisconsin.

The Sju-Lag Stevne provides an excellent opportunity for those of Norwegian heritage to learn more about their immigrant ancestors.  Each lag has its own library, which is available to participants, as well as skilled genealogists to assist in researching family trees.  Classes are offered for family historians covering everything from beginning genealogy to writing a family history.  Other classes include art, crafts, food, and dance.  Display booths feature arts, crafts, clothing, and books.

The theme for this year’s event is “Bridging the Generations,” with an appeal to the young and to families.  Students will be admitted free.

In addition to speakers, movies, and a buzzing hospitality room, the action-packed four days include the option of two bus tours: one to the New Richmond Heritage Center and another to Mindekirken and Luther Seminary.

Entertainment includes LeRoy Larson and the Minnesota Scandinavian Ensemble Show Band and two of Norway’s most prominent young musicians:  Tone Jorunn Tveito, a folk singer from West Telemark, and Torgeir Straand a Hardanger fiddler from Bø.

A culminating event is the Saturday evening banquet and program, which includes a colorful bunad parade.

For details, visit stevne.telelaget.com or call John Haugo at (715) 381-1430.