If you're of Nordic heritage and you've never attended Hostfest, you're missing out.  It's a bit like a pilgrimage to Mecca for many.

This year we barely got the new booth set up (snazzy 36" x 60" banners on the backdrop) when Prairie Public Radio came by for an interview and a tune.  Between cold fingers and the earliness of the day, Noas' Snoa took one time through before I got the rhythm, but they didn't mind.  I do, however, as the evidence is up there in radio firmament, forever.   Check out the website and have a laugh.

One day I hope to make it beyond the closest coffee stop or bratwurst stall when I'm at Hostfest.  It was non-stop, but fun.  If someone wasn't buying books, playing my fiddle, playing a tune with me (thanks Art) or telling me THEIR Nordic story, I was unpacking more books.

Friends came along this year to help sticker and unload the vehicle, leaving me more time to have fun...and we did.

A Canadian RAF Major (retired) stopped by and I got a few minutes on the recorder with his remembrances of WW-II and flying Lancs.  Too bad he didn't make it back to tell us another.  Check the Smultron-Pub webpage for recording.

Thanks to everyone who helped make Hostfest another great success.