Helen Hendrickson named Nordic Fest Flag Recipient

Helen Hendrickson will be honored as the 2011 Nordic Fest Flag Recipient.

Hendrickson is a long-time Decorah volunteer who is a tireless worker in her church, Big Canoe Lutheran Church.  Referred to as "Chief Lutefisk Chef," she is reported to have cooked over 20,000 pounds of lutefisk for church suppers that have each sold out for more than 40 years.

Helen also bakes cookies for the Luther College Women's Club, contributes to Luther scholarship funds and volunteers each year at homecoming festivities.

Hendrickson each year takes part in the annual Bunad Show and Nordic Fest Opening Ceremonies wearing her intricate authentic bunad. To Helen, the bunad is more than a cherished heirloom; it is a responsibility to educate the public about the folk costumes of Norway.

Hendrickson is retired from teaching in the Decorah Public Schools, but she never gives up on educating. She still conducts tours through Vesterheim Museum educating thousands of visitors about all things Norwegian. Also seeking to preserve the aural tradition of excellent choral singing, her long dedication continues as she actively sings in four area choirs and is a charter member for two of them. Attending four rehearsals each week keeps her very busy, but she does so diligently and with a smile on her face - extra wide when they are singing in Norwegian.  

Helen will be officially recognized during the Opening Ceremonies at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, July 28th