One church in Hanska is proud of their Norwegian heritage, and they've been celebrating it for around 50 years now.  Gathering visitors from around the country and Norway today, they kept their traditions alive.

Nora Church has existed for over 125 years.  Their Norwegian Smorgasbord hasn't been around for all that time, but its popularity could make it last just as long.  It's a chance to hand down history and traditions of Norway through arts, crafts, and a whole lot of food.

Nora church membership chairman Carol Chambard says, "If we don't keep traditions alive, will the young people know where they originally came from? I think we all use it as a way of getting together."

The first Sunday in October always sees the big fundraiser for the Nora Women's Society happen with a country store outside, to sell everything from homemade jams and jellies, to dolls.

Church member Julie Fick says, "Basically this is the only fundraiser we do on an annual basis, but to me it's great to have the Norwegian cookies, and the Norwegian costumes."  Tours are given of the Ole Jorgensen Memorial Museum including the history of not just Norway, but Hanska itself.

Chambard says, "We're happy that we have it and more things have been placed there by members and other people contributing from as far away as the East coast."  For the price of admission, you can get a good taste of Norway as well, sampling meatballs, lefse, romme grot, and krumkake just to name a few.  The best part is you can be Swedish like me, and still be welcomed.

Fick adds, "My daughter was out here in a Norwegian costume, even though we're not Norwegian. It's kind of like, When in Nora, do as the Norwegians do."The great thing about coming to the Norwegian Smorgasbord? You never leave hungry."Save room for dessert."