Norwegian TV show looking for Norwegian Bigfoot Hunter

In November, Minnesota is the place to go if you want to feel treasured as a Norwegian. According to the Carlton County Pine Journal, a Norwegian TV show is looking for splashes of Norwegian culture in Minnesota for an episode of a Norwegian TV series called “Uncle in America.” They will be looking for interesting jobs and hobbies, colorful events and people. If you're a Norwegian and you like Bigfooting, that's even better. They said they don’t have the Bigfoot legend in Norway, so this could be very interesting for them.

The crew will be in northern Minnesota for a week starting Nov. 14 or 15. They are hoping to meet with some of the Carlton County folks who have seen, heard or found signs of the legendary Bigfoot creature who were featured in a Pine Journal story in August.

Read article below from Carlton County Pine Journal:

Norwegian TV show looking for Bigfoot, signs of Norwegian culture in the Northland
By: Christa Lawler and Jana Peterson, Pine Journal

A researcher is looking for splashes of Norwegian culture in Minnesota for an episode of a Norwegian TV series called “Uncle in America.”

“The more unusual the better,” Sven Storberget wrote in an email soliciting tips on Minnesota’s Norwegian-Americans that he sent to numerous media outlets in the area.

The program stars two men touring the country looking for the relative of a Norwegian celebrity. Along the way they experience the culture of each state – with an eye toward the Norwegian-isms but any sort of local charms will do. He said they are looking for interesting jobs and hobbies, colorful events and people.

“We also want to do typical Minnesota things,” he said. “But it does not hurt if someone with Norwegian heritage (is) participating.”

The crew will be in northern Minnesota for a week starting Nov. 14 or 15. Storberget is hoping he can meet with some of the Carlton County folks who have seen, heard or found signs of the legendary Bigfoot creature who were featured in a Pine Journal story in August.

“We don’t have the Bigfoot legend in Norway, so this could be very interesting,” he wrote, noting that he would talk to anyone who was willing, even if they aren’t of Norwegian descent. (Of course, he would prefer Norwegians, but Finns are great too!)

Duluth might make for a Norwegian jackpot. This is where Bente Soderlind learned to make lefse and first encountered Norwegian folk dance – even though she grew up in Norway.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m not Norwegian enough,” Soderlind said and laughed.

The News Tribune checked with a few local Norwegians about the must-sees and the must-dos of this Norwegian-friendly region. They picked local landmarks and ethnic festivals, arts and foods.

• Enger Tower is a must: Not just for the 360-degree view of the region, but for its story. The tower was dedicated by Norway’s then-Crown Prince Olav in 1939. Of course, the landmark has recently been renovated for visiting King Harald and Queen Sonja and is scheduled to be rededicated when the royal couple makes a four-hour stop in Duluth on Monday.

• Leif Erickson Park was mentioned – as the explorer’s blood had Norwegian in the blend. Plus there is a Viking ship.

• A film crew has to eat: Takk for Maten on Superior Street has a lefse-centric menu – they even wrap it around hot dogs – and there is always a pitcher of lingonberry juice.

• At the hub of it all is Norway Hall, which hosts a range of events including Sons of Norway meetings, Norwegian-themed weddings and the occasional straight-out-of-Norway musical performance.

“If it’s Norwegian, it happens here,” Kris Eide, president of the Sons of Norway, said of the spot at 21 N. Lake Ave., Duluth. For the record: Eide also teaches Norwegian cooking classes in her home. Fish cakes, meat balls and potato dumplings just like grandma used to make.