MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – Last week, Norsk Høstfest organizers announced the festival will no longer take place.
Those who attended or volunteered at the festival over the years immediately flooded social media with memories and hopes that it could continue.
A former Miss Norsk Høstfest titleholder launched an effort with others to organize a similar Scandinavian heritage event.
While the news of the end of the Høstfest has left holes in many hearts, some are choosing to focus on keeping the festival’s spirit alive.
Amber Grause attended Norsk Høstfest for more than 30 years and served as festival titleholder in 2007. She felt a calling to step up.
“This little voice in my head of my grandpa, several years ago, when I was Miss Norsk Høstfest, he said, ‘Amber Jean, you’re gonna run this show one day, you be careful,’” said Grause.
She created the “Save Norsk Høstfest’s Traditions” page on Facebook.
“My goal is to just recreate, rebrand and just build something really special as a whole community,” said Grause.
Over the past week, Grause has fielded many ideas for a new event. She said she’s looking to organize a small-scale festival that ties in all the things people loved about the Høstfest.
Grause wants to make sure it’s something long-lasting.
“Finding the right fit with a nonprofit, rebuilding the board, just kind of all those pieces to see, what can we develop?” said Grause.
Details of where and when this new festival would take place are undecided at this time, but she does hope to have activities and education for people of all ages.
“Finding ways to bring in the younger generations too, because there’s such a generational gap, I feel like,” said Grause.
Grause added she hopes to purchase the old Høstfest decorations to maintain the nostalgia.
Grause has a GoFundMe set up for the new festival. As of Thursday afternoon, it had raised roughly $1,400.
She said donations will help with purchasing previous Høstfest decorations and storing them, as well as any potential start-up costs.
If you’re interested in getting involved, you’re encouraged to message the Facebook page.
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