Celebrations and Festivals of Lefse
While many people enjoy eating lefse during the holiday season there are a few celebrations and festivals that occur concerning the dish - most happening in Minnesota.
Starbuck, Minnesota
Home of the World’s Largest Lefse created in 1983, the small town of Starbuck, Minnesota celebrates Lefse Dagen (or Lefse Days) on May 18th.
During this festival, people learn how to make lefse, eat lefse, and celebrate lefse. The museum is also open for tours.
Fargo, North Dakota
On August 13 and 14th in Fargo, North Dakota, the Fargo-Moorhead AM Rotary Club hosts the Lobster and Lefse Festival at Fargo’s Newman Outdoor field (the baseball diamond that is home to the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks). Admission is $3 for adults (people 13 and older).
Dinner costs $20 and consists of steamed Maine lobster, lefse, and corn on the cob.
The proceeds from this event go to the Fargo Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, YWCA Cass Clay and Rotary projects.
Fosston, Minnesota
November 16th in Fosston, Minnesota Civic Center, the best lefse makes in the area will gather. At this gathering, people compete for the title of “Champion Lefse Maker.” The results of this competition are samples given to visitors and also sales of lefse in order to stock up for the holiday season.
This event also supports the Fosston Food Shelf. Visitors are encouraged to donate non-perishable foods or money at the door of the Civic Center.
Barnesville, Minnesota
Barnesville, Minnesota is known for being one of the best potato growing areas in the county of Clay. For this fact, the town celebrates the potato. This festival is celebrated on August 25th and 26th and dates all the way back to 1931 and is heavily influenced by Norwegian heritage. The Potato Days Festival invites participants to partake in the National Lefse Cookoff.
These festivals go to show that Norwegian culture is still thriving in the Northern States of the United States.