Nordic Fest sporting events begin Friday

Friday
Molkky - 3:00 pm Decorah Middle School field
A yard game that involves throwing a wooden baton at pins to accumulate
points. The rules of the game are simple and anyone of any ability or age can play. Demonstrations will start at 3:00 p.m. and tournament at 3:30
p.m. The tournament is open to anyone from ages 8 to 80.

Kanoløpet - 6:30 pm OFF the Driftless (2012 Pulpit Rock Rd)
A canoe race from OFF the Driftless to the Twin Bridges located on 5th St. The race will have two canoe divisions determined by the combined ages of the participants in each canoe, and a third division for kayaks. Canoes with a combined age of participants (2/canoe max) 35 and under will be in the youth division, while 36 and up will compete in the adult division. The first canoe to pass under the Twin Bridges will be declared the winner. Pre-registration is required by 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Registration forms can be found at the Chamber of Commerce office. Cost is $30 per person and includes canoe rental, life jackets and paddles. Those who provide their own canoe may enter for $20 per person.

Saturday
The Ultimate Nordic Triathlon - Register at packet pick up for the Elveløpet
Strength, stamina and a strong stomach are all traits of the Norse. Festers who participate in the three Saturday events of the Elveløpet 5K or 15K run, the Rock Throw and the famed Lutefisk eating contest will have their results combined to face off with other Ultimate Norse!

Elveløpet - 7:30 am Decorah City Hall (400 Claiborne Dr.)
The race begins and ends at Decorah's City Hall. Hydration stations are provided along the course with fruit and drinks available at the finish line. Online registration is open through Thursday. Final registration and packet pick-up is Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at City Hall, and Saturday morning from 6:00 a.m. until 7:15 a.m. at the Beverage Garden tent.

Nordic Rock Throw - 1:00 p.m. Decorah Middle School field
There are three weight classes for men (50 lb. rock for up to 160 lbs.; 75 lb. rock for 161-210 lbs.; 100 lb. rock for over 210 lbs.) and one weight class for women (50 lb. rock for all weights). Must be at least 18 years of age. Entry fee is $2.

Kubb - 2:00 p.m. Decorah Middle School field
A lawn game where the object is to knock over wooden blocks, known as kubbs, by throwing wooden batons at them. The tournament is open to all ages. Registration for the "After the Parade Tournament" will be onsite from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. with play beginning at 2:00 pm
Registration fee is $10 per team. Demonstrations will be available for those new to the game. Open play to follow the tournament from 4:45 p.m. until  6:00 p.m.

Vintage Baseball Game - 2:00 pm Decorah High School baseball field
Come watch the Driftless Dodgers put on an exhibition of vintage baseball against the Filmore Fungi. The game is a blast from the past, featuring teams playing by the rules of 1860 and wearing uniforms from the time period.

Lutefisk Eating Contest - 3:00 p.m. Courthouse Square
Put your lutefisk eating skills to the test in this competition. No registration or fee, just show up
ready to down that lutefisk.

Friday and Saturday
Bags Tournament - Beverage Garden (River & Day Spring Lane)
Friday registration from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m.
2:00 p.m. first bags tournament
4:00 p.m. second bags tournament

Saturday registration from noon until 12:45 p.m.
1:00 p.m. first bags tournament
3:00 p.m. second bags tournament