Belly Up Norwegian Constitution Day could be a little rough on your constitution

Sturdy strands of Norwegian life have been a part of the tapestry of Wisconsin culture since 1838, when son of Norway Ole Knudsen Nattestad first staked a claim in Wisconsin. A careful look shows signs everywhere that the Scandinavians have woven their way into our lives: Many school mascots are Norsemen, Norwegian flags dot rural areas, and the celebration of Syttende Mai (“Seventeen May,” Norway’s declaration of independence from its 500-year union with modern Denmark) has been held in Wisconsin at least since 1868 and runs annually on the closest weekend to May 17—in this case, Syttende Mai (on Main Street in Stoughton) is May 13-15. Colorful Norse costumes, Norwegian painting (“rosemaling”) and needlework (“hardanger”), woodcarving, and even a quilt show will all back up the real star, Norwegian food. Between sit-down luncheons and cart food, there’s an amazing array of chow from which to choose: A pancake breakfast, rommegrot (porridge made with sour cream), sot suppe (fruit soup), riskrem (rice pudding), eggs, sausage, ham, biscuits, and gravy will get your tummy saying, “Uff da.” But save some space for deep-fried cheese curds, Norwegian meatballs, lefse (flatbread), and herring before getting down on fresh cream puffs, homemade pies, caramel apples, sandbakkels, and krumkake (Scandinavian cookies) with a cup of hot chocolate.

FATSOMETER: 8. Quirky Norwegian music, people wearing authentic Norse costumes, and a feast? It’s better than Thor. But after all that krumkake, you’re gonna need to hit the gym if you want to look like a Norse god.