Norwegian Day Parade draws crowds to Bay Ridge for 73rd annual march * Brooklyn Paper

Thousands gathered along Bay Ridge streets for the 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade, with bunads and Norwegian and American flags. The event commemorated Norway’s Constitution Day and the cultural ties between Norway and the United States. Despite a grim forecast, the parade route drew spectators who watched bands, community organizations, churches, families, and cultural groups participate. The theme, “Our Legacy Continues,” emphasized preserving Norwegian heritage and celebrating independence and freedom associated with the constitution. Bay Ridge’s history as a major center of Norwegian immigration shaped the parade’s identity. Organizers said the parade strengthened Norwegian traditions and encouraged passing customs to future generations, with especially strong turnout because May 17 fell on the official Constitution Day.

"Thousands gathered along Bay Ridge streets for the 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade, with bunads and Norwegian and American flags. The event commemorated Norway’s Constitution Day and the cultural ties between Norway and the United States. Despite a grim forecast, the parade route drew spectators who watched bands, community organizations, churches, families, and cultural groups participate."

"This year's theme, “Our Legacy Continues,” reflected the parade's longstanding mission of preserving Norwegian heritage and celebrating the ideals of independence and freedom embodied by Norway's Constitution Day. The parade has long reflected the neighborhood's deep Norwegian roots, and organizers said the event highlighted the continued strength of Norwegian traditions and the importance of passing those customs on to future generations."

"“As President of the Norwegian Day Parade, I am grateful to report that this year's parade was an incredible success,” General Chair Arlene Bakke Rutuelo told Brooklyn Paper. “Thousands of participants marched through Bay Ridge in celebration of Norway's Constitution Day on May 17th, honoring the rich heritage and lasting friendship between Norway and the United States.”"

"Rutuelo said this year's celebration drew especially strong community participation because the parade coincided with Norway's official Constitution Day. “With May 17th falling on the actual Constitution Day this year, we saw an even greater turnout from the community, families, organizations, and visitors who came together in a joyful display of culture, music, flags and fellowship,” she said."

Read at Brooklyn Paper