17th of May Seattle

05/26/2026

05/18/2026

It takes a community to build a celebration like this! ❤️🤍💙

Our sponsors help keep one of the largest celebrations of Norwegian Constitution Day outside of Norway thriving right here in Seattle. From longtime community partners to new supporters, we are incredibly grateful for everyone who helped make this year’s celebration possible.

Tusen takk to:
• Kongsberg
• Trident Seafoods
• Ben's Plumbing
• Scandinavian Cultural Center at Pacific Lutheran University
• Swansons Nursery
• Norwegian Commercial Club
• Silver Bay Seafoods
• Nordic on Tap
• Green Latrine
• Gård
• Mountain Pacific Bank
• Athletic Awards
• Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
• India Bistro
• Ballard Blossom
• Scandinavian Language Institute
• Sunnmørslaget av Seattle
• HomeStreet Bank
• Umpqua Bank
• Skål Beer Hall
• Vesterdalen Sons of Norway
• Leif Erikson Sons of Norway Lodge No. 1
• Daughters of Norway Gina Krog Lodge
• Daughters of Norway Valkyrien Lodge
• Karmøy Club Seattle

Thank you for supporting tradition, culture, music, community, and the spirit of Syttende Mai. We couldn’t do it without you! 🇳🇴✨

05/01/2026

We are proud to recognize our 2026 Honorary Marshals 🇳🇴

Please join us in celebrating:
Captain Dale Pederson and Konrad Uri

🎉Captain Dale Mittet Pederson is a Seattle-based maritime professional whose career reflects a lifelong connection to the waters of the Pacific Northwest. He is best known for his service as a former captain of the historic vessel Virginia V, one of Puget Sound’s most iconic steamships. One might say Captain Dale Mittet Pederson was born into a legacy of serving on Seattle's 17th of May Committee. The year Dale was born in 1949, his father, Edgar was chairman of the committee. Following in his father's footsteps, Dale began working behind the scenes of Ballard Parade logistics in 1998. His title of Captain was acquired from 33 years on the staff of the Virginia V Steamship, performing over 125 wedding ceremonies. During his tenure, Captain Pederson was recognized for his steady leadership, sound judgment, and deep respect for both crew and vessel. With a career shaped by the traditions of Northwest seamanship, Captain Pederson exemplifies professionalism, safety, and dedication to maritime heritage. His command of Virginia V contributed to the continued operation and public appreciation of a treasured historic ship, reinforcing the importance of preserving living maritime history for future generations.

🎉Konrad was born in Seattle in 1934 to immigrant parents Konrad and Emma Aure from Sunnmøre. He graduated from Ballard High School in 1953. As a young student at the University of Washington he had to leave early to go fishing when his father died. Fishing was in his blood having started fishing at a very young age with his father and Uncle Sverre Aure. Through his career Konrad owned many boats and notably he was an early entrant in the Alaska crab fishery gaining notoriety as an innovator in the fishing industry. In 1982 he won the National Fisheries Highliner Award and in 2011 the Northwest Fisheries Person of the Year award. Konrad served his country in the Korean War. In 1957 he married Helen Johanson at Ballard First Lutheran Church. They have three sons, Konrad (KC), Kristian, and Karl Johan, as well as six grandchildren. Konrad has been a pillar of the Norwegian community as President of the Norse Home, Life member of the Norwegian Commercial Club, board member of the National Nordic Museum, member of Sons of Norway, and board member of Pacific Fisherman co-op.

We are so grateful for their contributions to our community and their role in making Syttende Mai so special. Celebrate with us on May 17 in Ballard 💙❤️🤍

04/28/2026

Announcing our 2026 Grand Marshal 🇳🇴🎉

We are thrilled to welcome Former Norwegian Prime Minister and current Member of Parliament, Erna Solberg to lead this year’s parade in Ballard!

Erna Solberg is a Norwegian politician who served as Prime Minister of Norway from 2013 to 2021 and has been one of the most influential figures in modern Norwegian politics. A member of the Conservative Party (Høyre), she has represented Hordaland in the Storting since 1989 and became party leader in 2004, a position she held for more than two decades.
Before becoming prime minister, Solberg served as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development from 2001 to 2005, where she worked on reforms related to immigration, municipal administration, and regional development. Her long tenure as party leader helped reshape the Conservative Party’s platform around economic stability, education, and modernization of public services.
As prime minister, Solberg led a series of coalition governments and guided Norway through shifting economic conditions, including fluctuations in global oil markets. Her government emphasized job creation, innovation, and strengthening Norway’s welfare systems. She also played a prominent role internationally, representing Norway in global forums and advancing issues such as sustainable development and international cooperation.
After the 2021 election, Solberg became Leader of the Opposition, continuing to play a central role in national politics. In 2025, she announced that she would step down as party leader in 2026, marking the end of a significant era for the Conservative Party.
Solberg remains widely recognized for her steady leadership style, her ability to build coalitions, and her long-standing commitment to public service in Norway.

Come celebrate this special moment with us on May 17 💙❤️🤍

04/26/2026

⏰ One Week Left to Join the Parade! 🇳🇴🎉
There’s still time to be part of the 17th of May celebration—but not for long! 🎺✨
Applications close in ONE WEEK, so don’t miss your chance to march, dance, and celebrate with us.
📋 Apply now: https://forms.gle/vHHFgF6d6X4zJsdk7
🔗 Learn more: https://www.17thofmay.org
Let’s make this year’s parade the biggest and brightest yet! ❤️🤍💙

04/25/2026

If you're new to Ballard, you're in for a real treat next month: Syttende Mai, Norwegian Constitution Day, is happening on Sunday, May 17.

04/19/2026

Luncheon tickets go fast! 🇳🇴 Come see what all the hype is about! Tickets on sale through our website 17thofmay.org

04/08/2026

Celebrate Syttende Mai with a festive luncheon in the heart of Ballard 🇳🇴🍴
Join us for great food, community, and a beloved tradition.

🎟️ Tickets are available now—reserve your seat before they’re gone: https://norwegian-seventeenth-of-may.square.site/

04/06/2026

Celebrate Norway’s Constitution Day
right here in Ballard 🇳🇴
From the parade to live music at Bergen Place, the
luncheon, and open houses all day—there’s something
for everyone.
Plan your day and join us: 17thofmay.org 💙❤️🤍