Norwegian Day Parade brings joy to Bay Ridge

May 16, 2016 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

A member of the parade committee (right) made a fashion statement by wearing pants designed to look like the Norwegian flag. Eagle photos by Paula Katinas

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There was a chill the air and the temperature never went above 65 degrees, but there was a great deal of warmth on Third Avenue in Bay Ridge on Sunday, especially for the thousands of people who lined the streets to watch the 64th Annual 17th of May Parade.

A beloved Bay Ridge tradition, the parade takes place on the Sunday closest to May 17, Norway’s Constitution Day.

The parade, featuring plenty of marchers dressed like Vikings and children waving Norwegian flags, is held every year to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Norwegian Constitution.

Bay Ridge residents also refer to the event as the Norwegian Day Parade.

This year’s big march was a particularly lively affair that exhibited a special camaraderie between the marchers and the spectators. In fact, many of those lining Third Avenue called out greetings to their friends marching in the parade. The marchers waved back and in some cases made a quick dash to the curb to shake hands.

The marchers included members of Sons of Norway lodges from the tri-state area, folk dancers, arts clubs, cops, firefighters and members of local churches and schools.

Miss Norway of Greater New York 2016, Lene Samuelsen, got to ride the parade route in the back of an open air convertible, smiling and waving to fans.

The parade began on Third Avenue and 80th Street. Marchers proceeded along Third Avenue to Bay Ridge Avenue (69th Street) and then along Bay Ridge Avenue to Fifth Avenue. The parade route traveled along Fifth Avenue to 67th Street and then up 67th Street to Leif Ericson Park, where a post-parade ceremony took place at the reviewing stand inside the park on 67th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues.

Sponsored by the Norwegian-American 17th of May Committee of Greater New York, Inc., the parade serves to keep the cultural heritage alive in New York City, according to a statement on the organizing committee’s website, www.may17paradeny.com.

The theme of the 2016 parade was “Saluting Norwegian Immigrants.”

Today, there are more than 4.5 million people of Norwegian ancestry living in the U.S.

On Saturday, the day before the Norwegian Day Parade, thousands of people visited Owl’s Head Park on Colonial Road in Bay Ridge for Viking Fest, an all-day celebration of the contributions made to the U.S. by Scandinavian immigrants over the years.

Viking Fest, which is sponsored by the Scandinavian East Coast Museum, featured rides, games, dancing, singing, Scandinavian dishes and a replica of a Viking ship.