Giants of the Earth Heritage Center

Telelaget
2022-04-01 - 2022-04-03 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States

Adult Heritage Weekend with District 5 Sons of Norway, Local Lodges: Open to ALL!
2022-10-07 15:30 - 2022-10-09 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Join us during Uff Da Fest at Giants, as we host members of the District 5 Sons of Norway lodges, as well as our local Valheim lodge and others for a weekend of classes, demonstrations, sight-seeing, entertainment, dining, and revelry during the city’s annual Uff Da Fest celebration!
We welcome the general public to attend our cultural events, and feel free to call 507-498-5070 to register for Saturday sessions or become involved with the “revy” (Talent Show) on Friday evening at the Cinema! Visit our Giants home page to register for the weekend!
All are welcome, regardless of membership with Giants or Sons of Norway. Uff Da!

“Revy” (Norsk Talent Show)
2022-10-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Located in Immigrant Hall at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center

Do you have a special talent to share? How about some Ole and Lena jokes? Perhaps you have written a poem or your own song? Highlight it here at the Uff Da Fest “Revy” (talent show).
Show up and sign your act in, or let us know about your act in advance by calling Giants at 507-498-5070.
So far, we will feature Robin Fossum on Hardanger Fiddle, Rachel & David Storlie (songs), and select members of the Luren Singers, plus jokes with Lee Grippen. Join in on the fun and merriment, and help us laugh and groan our way into the Uff Da Fest weekend!

Admission Fee or Registration Required? Show up to perform or register your act in advance–507-498-5070

Hayride Tours or Walks in Downtown and Rural Spring Grove
2022-10-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Tours departing at 6:30pm and 7:15pm!

Johnathan Storlie presents on DNA in genealogy and public health
2022-10-08 09:00 - 09:45 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Presentation will be held in Giants of the Earth Immigrant Hall.

Rebecca Hanna Presentation on Woodcarving: Ale Bowls and Decorative Techniques
2022-10-08 11:15 - 12:00 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Rebecca Hanna is a Vesterheim gold medalist. She has produced works of many kinds, including ale bowls, dragonstil, kubbestols, acanthus pieces, and figures. In addition, she has honed her skills using svidekor, kolrosing, and kroting. Rebecca will showcase examples of ale bowls and the decorative techniques she uses at this presentation.
Location: Immigrant Hall
Donations accepted. These types of programming occur because of your gifts!

Giants Adult Heritage Class Sessions
2022-10-08 14:00 - 16:30 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Research ancestors in the Georgia’s Genealogy Library–2nd Floor of Giants
• Record your family oral history in our Professional Recording Studio (extra fees) — MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE BY CALLING 507-498-5070
• Nordic Stamping Class with Connie Aiello (extra fees) CITY COUNCIL MEETING HALL.
• “Julekurver: They’re Not Just for Christmas Anymore!” with Cheryl Miller THIS CLASS OFFERED AT 2PM, AND 3:15PM (IF ENOUGH PARTICIPANTS)
• Krumkake King: Shipping Krumkake across the US without breakage with CEO Mark Storsteen
THIS INTERACTIVE DEMO/TALK WILL OCCUR AT BOTH 2PM AND 3:15PM IN THEKITCHEN/FELLOWSHIP HALL AT TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
Admission Fee/Registration Required: Varies by class

Old-Time Barn Dance/Concert with Beth & Jon Rotto and Squirrel Tail!
2022-10-08 19:00 - 21:30 | Old Gray Barn, Ye Olde Gray Barn, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Gather your entire family and join in some old-fashioned fun at the Gray Barn! Renowned Nordic Roots fiddler Beth Rotto and her guitar wielding partner Jon will share tunes and stories about Spring Grove native performer/composer Arnold Munkel–who recorded music at the bars, celebrations, and festivals in Spring Grove back in the day!
Opening act is Squirrel Tail, featuring local farmer/artist Hannah Breckbill and friends.
Enter the Grain Elevator parking lot (3rd driveway on the right after Red’s Hometown Market), and follow flags and lights into pasture for free parking.
$5 cover, except for registrants of the Adult Heritage Weekend at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center.
Chairs will be set up inside the barn with space left open for dancing!
Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs if you wish! A gathering space will be mowed in front of the barn as well.
Beverages and snacks available for all ages, including beer and wine for the adults. No carry-ins please.
Come one, come all to the Uff Da Fest Barn Dance!
Location: Ye Olde Gray Barn, Hwy 44
Admission Fee: $5 per person

Uff Da Norwegian- American Church Service at Wilmington Lutheran Church
2022-10-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Wilmington Lutheran Church, 21081 Church Rd, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Join guest Preacher Rolf Svanoe in this humorous and edifying morning service at Wilmington Church! Elements will be offered in Norwegian, as well as some tongue-in-cheek musical offerings by Kimberly Svanoe, Rachel & David Storlie, and a great message!
If you arrive early, you can take an old cemetery history tour (9:15 or so), and if you stay after the service, you can enjoy a luncheon of sandwiches, salads, and dessert. Donations/Free Will Offering appreciated.
Location: Wilmington Lutheran Church, 21081 Church Rd., Spring Grove, MN 55974

Passport to Other Cultures: France and European Christmas!
2022-12-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
This event has passed, but you can still watch the livestream here!
This month’s Passport Project country is France! Join local French-American David Costet for a trip to Lyon, France. We will also explore European Christmas Markets. There will also be French cuisine and drinks to add to this immersive experience!

'77-79 Reunion/Open House sponsored by Rhan and Jill
2022-12-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Were you in the Spring Grove High School Class of ’77, ’78, or ’79, or thereabouts? Join us at the Heritage Center December 9 at 6pm for a Reunion/Open House gathering, sponsored by Rhan Flatin and Jillellyn Storlie.

Juletrefest!
2022-12-17 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for our annual Juletrefest celebrations and celebrate Christmas the Scandinavian way! Learn to make woven heart basket ornaments, twisted straw stars, and more fun crafts, plus watch demonstrations of Norwegian Christmas classics like krumkakes. This year we will also be combining with the Sons of Norway Bake Sale, so you can buy some tasty Scandinavian goodies to take home, too!
The Sons of Norway Bake Sale will start at 1 pm.
Journey to the Christmas Star movie will start at 1 pm.

Galentine's Day Tea and Sale
2023-02-11 10:00 - 17:00 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Giants Gift Shop is excited to participate in the upcoming Galentine’s Day Spring Grove Main St. shopping experience!
We are offering sales on gal pal and any-type-of-pal gifts that appeal to many age groups, interests, and aesthetics.
Events at Giants on Feb. 11
(Open 10am-5pm)
*Limited Quantity* Receive a free Galentine Gift made by Karen Fried!
Register for our Galentine’s Day Drawing!
PuzzleTwist Station: help us put together a cool MN themed puzzle in Immigrant Hall! Sit for 5 or 50 minutes with your gal pals or kiddos and enjoy the “twist!”
Shop our “Sweet Deals” bargain table, featuring a special assortment or merchandise discounted 10-20%
From 2-4pm: enjoy a complimentary cup of tea and treat in our beautiful Immigrant Hall community gathering space. We will have a couple of tables completely decked out for “Tea Time with your Galentines,” so stop in to be served by a Giants volunteer!
Featuring Tea, Tinctures, and Self Pampering with Grandma Sunshine’s Healing Garden!

4:30pm—We will draw a name from the Galentine’s Day box and ONE OF YOU will win a special gift!

Kaffemat
2024-10-05 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Sons of Norway Valheim Lodge Spring Grove Minnesota for Kaffemat to celebrate UffDa Fest! Enjoy a cup of coffee and Norwegian treats, and live music!

When: Saturday, October 5 | 10:00 – Noon
Where: Giants of the Earth Heritage Center
Cost: Free will donation

Beer Choir
2024-10-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main, Spring Grove, MN, 55974, United States
Come join us for singing, drinking, and good times! Music books and admission are free, and a variety of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and snacks will be available for a donation.

Spring Grove Koselig Helg
2025-03-14 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-03-15 09:00 - 18:30
A “helg” (weekend) of “koselig” (cozy/hygge) fun for Spring Grove locals and visitors alike!

Sign up for class preferences here. Registration payment may be made via PayPal, or by cash or check to Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W Main St, Spring Grove, MN 55974.

Early-bird $25 discount thru Feb 22nd
Registration fees are 50% refundable after March 7th.
Registration includes:
6 fun class sessions
Lunch and dinner on Saturday
Light refreshments on Friday evening

Friday, March 14th
7pm-9pm Musical social hour
Includes light refreshments, a Norwegian-style sing-a-long, and a brief musical program featuring vintage Norwegian instruments
Saturday, March 15th
9am-4pm Class sessions
See more details and sign up for class preferences HERE.
Coffee breaks
Includes light refreshments and opportunities for informal Norwegian-language conversation
Lunch
Included meal, along with opportunity for informal Norwegian-language conversation
5pm Giants Dinner Party
Just prior to the premiere performance at neighboring Ye Olde Opera House’s production of Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party”. Includes fårikål, Norway’s National Dish of locally-raised lamb and cabbage stew, as well as a complimentary adult beverage. Included in program registration cost.
Local friends and family may be invited to join as well. Cost for others is $30, or $25 for Giants members. Local friends and family may register by sending us an email at giantsheritage@gmail.com or calling us at 507-498-5070.
Sunday March 16th
See “Additional Activity Options” below for ideas!
Info for Locals:
Hosting
If you’re interested in hosting any fellow participants visiting from out-of-town, send us an email at giantsheritage@gmail.com or call us at 507-498-5070 and let us know what you have available and what you’d like to charge.
Local history
Several of our class sessions have a local history focus. We are very confident that locals will learn new things in these sessions. If you don’t learn anything new, we’ll have Ola and Per give you an apology hug. Or if you’re too Norwegian for a hug, then a firm apology handshake from a respectful distance.
Info for Visitors:
Lodging
Note that program registration does not include lodging. See here for a listing of local lodging options or here for local AirBnB options. We may be able, but cannot guarantee, to pair you with a local program participant able to host. To inquire about this option, send us an email at giantsheritage@gmail.com or call us at 507-498-5070.
Additional Activity Options
Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party
7pm Saturday or 3pm Sunday at Ye Olde Opera House
$15 Adults; $10 Students
Sign up for tickets on their website. Saturday’s performance immediately follows our Giants Dinner Party next door.
Genealogy sessions
12pm-5pm Friday at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center
Free
Sign up for a 45-minute initial genealogy consultation to explore your Spring Grove roots. Send us an email at giantsheritage@gmail.com or call us at 507-498-5070 to register.
Church tour
10:30am Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church
Free
Following the 9:15am service, join for a tour of the historic Trinity Lutheran Church. Need not attend service to participate in tour.
Friluftsliv (Norwegian outdoor lifestyle) opportunities
Nature Trails (Website)
Parks (Website)
Sauna sessions
3-5pm Friday or 9-11am Sunday
$20-$40 sliding scale
The Little Dipper Sauna Co. invites you to a community sauna session in true Norwegian friluftsliv fashion. Sign up here.
Local food options
The Phattest Breakfast pop-up restaurant (Facebook)
Fat Pat’s Barbeque (Website or Facebook)
Blue Ribbon pop-up pizza (Facebook)
Fiesta Rosita (Facebook)
Ivy Grove Cafe (Google Maps)
Local beverage experiences
Rockfilter Distillery (Website or Facebook)
Fat Pat’s Brewery (Website or Facebook)
Spring Grove Soda Pop Factory & Store (Website)
Lion’s Pub (Facebook)
