Lutefisk, lefse served up in Northland

IOLA — The congregation of Northland Lutheran Church will host its 107th Annual Lutefisk Supper and Norwegian Bake & Craft Sale on Saturday, Oct. 18. The rural church will serve the all-you-can-eat meal family style from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at N9880 State Highway 49.
Served will be such Norwegian dishes as lutefisk and torsk (boiled cod), along with hand-rolled meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy, lefse (Norwegian potato flatbread), buttered carrots, coleslaw, and cranberries. Dessert includes the Norwegian pastries of rosettes, sandbakkels, krumkakes, and fattigmann cookies.
Just as popular as the supper is the bake and craft sale featuring lefse, Norwegian pastries, and homemade pies, quick breads, brownies, and cookies—all that sell very quickly.
Gagas Farms has generously donated 300 lbs. of field-fresh potatoes. Church members and volunteers will prepare up to 500 pounds of lutefisk, 300 pounds of meatballs, and more than 35 cases of lefse.
Tickets are sold at the door: $24 for adults, $10 for ages 6 to 12, and free for those 5 and under.
The church started the tradition in 1915, missing only three years, due to World War I, a flu epidemic, and most recently COVID-19. Chicken was originally served before the supper turned to more traditional Norwegian cuisine. Lutefisk is white codfish prepared according to Norwegian custom, served with plenty of melted butter.
Since 1908, Northland Lutheran Church has served members and visitors in Northland, Wis. The church is affiliated with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). Church services are led by Pastor William Stukenberg held every Sunday at 10 a.m. with Sunday school starting at 9 a.m. Services are also livestreamed on Facebook. 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 online at NorthlandChurchIola.com.