The 95th annual Lutefisk Supper and Norwegian Bake and Craft Sale will be held from 12:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at Northland Lutheran Church.
The menu includes lutefisk, lefse, meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered carrots, coleslaw, cranberries and Norwegian pastries, all served family style.
Tickets are $14 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12, and free for those five and under.
The church is located in rural Northland, nine miles north of Iola on State Highway 49.
Since 1915, Northland Lutheran Church has served area communities with an annual Norwegian supper steeped in tradition. Cooks and wait staff dress in Norwegian attire as the food is prepared according to Norwegian customs handed down from previous generations.
This year Northland will serve 500 pounds of lutefisk, 300 pounds of meatballs, 39 cases of lefse and 350 pounds of potatoes. In addition to the supper, baked goods and craft items will be for sale.
Since the first Lutefisk dinner began, only two years were missed – one year because of World War I and the scarcity of potatoes, and the other year because of a flu epidemic.
The Norwegian delicacies of lutefisk and lefsa, plus famous Norwegian pastries such as rosettes and sandbakkels, took the place of an annual chicken dinner in 1915. Today Northland Lutheran Church is one of the few remaining churches hosting an annual Norwegian supper.
“The supper offers an opportunity for members of the church to work together to serve the community,” said Pastor Dan Somers. “We welcome all interested to share in the great fellowship and Norwegian tradition that only Northland Lutheran Church can provide.”
Since 1908, the Northland Lutheran Church has served members and visitors from its rural location in Northland, Wis. The church is affiliated with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). Church services are held every Sunday at 10:00 AM with Sunday school starting at 9:00 AM. The church’s purpose is “To worship God, spread His word, witness for Christ, welcome all, serve them, and grow the community of believers through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Call 715-445-2956 for more information or visit the church nine miles north of Iola at N9880 State Highway 49, Iola, WI 54945.