Syttende Mai

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During a parade down 24th Avenue NW and along Market Street, view corners were packed as Ballard celebrated Norwegian Constitution Day on Monday. Commonly known as "Syttende Mai" or the 17th of May, the celebration commemorates the day in 1814 when Norway's constitution was signed.


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During the parade down 24th Avenue NW and along Market Street, the Daughters of Norway Valkyrien Lodge #1, founded on October 19, 1905, carry a flag with an American flag on one side and a Norwegian flag on the other.


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Gerhard Folkstad and Karin Gustafson wear traditional Norwegian clothing as they dance to live music at Bergen Place.


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During the parade down 24th Avenue NW and along Market Street, brothers Alek, at left, and Anthony Lilleskar battle with swords like little vikings as they represent the Seattle-Bergen sister city program.


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Parade participants wear viking hats as they march down 24th Avenue NW and along Market Street.


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Rachel Nesvig plays a Norwegian folk instrument, the Hardanger fiddle.


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A sign from the Ballard Historical Society posed a question during the parade along Market Street.


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The Leikarringen Dancers of Leif Erickson Lodge perform at Bergen Place.


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Ann Marie Woo and Lee Ehrheart hold hands as they listen to traditional Norwegian folk songs at Bergen Place.


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A group in Norwegian clothing crosses 24th Avenue NW ahead of the parade.


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During the parade down 24th Avenue NW and along Market Street, a Ballard High School drummer posed a question for Sarah.


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Iris Mulders Steine sells Norwegian flags to help support the parade.