The 2002 Stevne was held from June 20-22 at the Oaks Hotel and Convention Center in Sioux Falls SD.
Thursday
Many Samband members participated in an afternoon tour of the Center for Western Studies, Heritage Park, and Springdale Lutheran Church. Back at the Convention Center, Betty Rockswold offered her expert assistance to genealogical researchers. Torleiv Kampen demonstrated the art of carding and spinning. Beautiful arts and crafts were available for sale in the Vendor area. That evening, 75 people attended the “Get Acquainted Social” at the Oaks Hotel. An evening light and sound show at Falls Park had to be cancelled because of the weather.
Friday
Several interesting seminars were offered.
- Verlyss Jacobson talked about local genealogical resources.
- Liv Marit Haakenstad presented a look at genealogical resources on the internet.
- Russ Elmore introduced folks to Family Tree Maker software.
- Mila Ode demonstrated Scandinavian baking.
- Kristine Nerison Collins showed slides from her trip to Valdres and Norway.
At the Friday evening program Pastor Jim Christopherson served as emcee. The chairman of the Minnehaha County Commission, Bob Colby, welcomed the Samband to Sioux Falls. Liv Marit Haakenstad read a greeting from Jahn Børe Jahnsen. The Grieg Choir, a local men’s group accompanied by Ruth Beck, provided wonderful musical offerings They were joined by Cheryl Hagena for several songs..
Saturday
Morning seminars included a presentation on mooring stones by Judi Rudebusch. Andrea Een both discussed and played the Hardanger fiddle.
The afternoon’s activities began with a sing-along led by Howard Lerohl and accompanied by Jan Lerohl on the piano.
Michael Bergen presided over the business meeting. The following were re-elected: Michael Bergen, president; Doris Hayes. Vice President; Diane Lerohl, secretary; Kari Kringstad, treasurer; and Earl Evenstad, director . Stanley “Bud” Hippe replaced Ann Urness Gesme after her nine years of service as a director.
Rev. Lee Stadem offered the sermon at the memorial service, and Howard Lerohl read the names of Samband members who passed away. Pastor Jim Christopherson led banquet attendees in the Norwegian table prayer, ‘I Jesu Navn’. Michael Bergen read a greeting from Bygdelagenes Fellesraad president Marilyn Somdahl and distributed certificates of appreciation.
The meal of pork tenderloin and chicken was followed by the Parade of Bunads. Andrea Een led the parade, playing her Hardanger Fiddle. Pastor Christopherson served as emcee for the evening program, which began with the Call of the Lur by Howard Lerohl. Singing of the national anthems was accompanied by Dorothy Christopherson. Dr Wayne Knutson and Arthur Johnson took on the rolls of Norwegian brothers Lars and Knudt in a theatrical reading of “The Stavig Letters.” Jan O’Brien served as narrator for this interesting presentation.
The stevne came to a close with the membership singing “God Bless America.”