Leif Ericson Day, Durham, New Hampshire 2012

35^th Annual Leif Ericson Day Parade, Durham, New Hampshire

Sunday, October 7, 2012

6:30 AM at the Laundromat on Main Street

Thirty five years ago, in 1977, Nobel K. Peterson and two friends wanted to celebrate Leif Ericson Day, which is traditionally October 9^th.  They were doing laundry at the Laundromat when they decided to march next door to Young’s Restaurant and have breakfast.   This became an annual event, with the celebrants still meeting at the Laundromat and marching in a silly parade (all the entire 25 feet to breakfast), with Viking helmets and Icelandic sweaters, next door to have breakfast including many sillier speeches and toasts to the famous explorer.   The New Hampshire Governor Lynch usually signs an annual proclamation, which will be read aloud, and last year President Obama sent a proclamation, too!

You don’t have to be of Scandinavian heritage to participate.  Just show up!  Ha det gøy! (Have fun!)

 

This year you can join the fun on Facebook.  There is an event at “ Leif Ericson Parade in Durham, NH” and there is also a discussion group at the same name. 

Young’s Restaurant, 48 Main Street, Durham, New Hampshire  www.youngsrestaurant.com

Also, check out the many silly videos of the Durham Leif Ericson parade on Youtube.com

-------------------------

Copyright 2012, Heather Wilkinson Rojo