Syttende Mai Royalty
Since 1969, Stoughton's Syttende Mai festival has crowned a 'Festival King and Queen,' selected based on their community service and dedication to promoting the city’s Norwegian heritage. Nominated by community members, the King and Queen proudly serve as ambassadors for the festival, proudly wearing their bunads, traditional Norwegian costumes, and participating in major events.
The Festival Prince and Princess, chosen from third graders in the Stoughton Area School District, are selected through a random drawing from applications submitted by parents or guardians. These young ambassadors join the King and Queen at various festival activities, such as riding in the Sunday Parade, starting the Lil' Run, and attending the opening dinner.
Together, these ambassadors play an essential role in bringing the spirit and tradition of the Syttende Mai Festival to life, representing the event throughout the week leading up to the celebration.
Referred to as the 'Best Kept Secret' in Stoughton prior to the official announcement, the Festival King and Queen are revealed to the public at the Norse Afternoon of Fun, an event produced by the Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers
2025 King & Queen
Coming Soon!
2025 Prince & Princess
Coming Soon!
Save the Date for Norse Afternoon of Fun:
February 2, 2025!
Past Royalty
The Stoughton Chamber of Commerce is honored to present this list of all Syttende Mai Kings and Queens who have served the community of Stoughton since 1969. We continue to be grateful for their service and dedication.
2024 Joe and Erin Conant
2023 Dan and Cindy McGlynn
2022 Roger and Donna Strandlie
2021 Randy and Donna Olson
2020 Randy and Donna Olson
2019 Jerry and Karen Lapidakis
2018 Bob and Jodi Coon
2017 Marty and Jean Lamers
2016 Marv and Bert Klitzke
2015 Dan and Jodi Hanson
2014 Sonny and Linda Swangstu
2013 John and Darlene Arneson
2012 Mike and Brenda Sherry
2011 Dick and Barb Entwistle
2010 Dave and Barb Kalland
2009 Rodger Roloff and Jo Laffey-Roloff
2008 Steve and Kris Christenson
2007 Kent and Judy Schroeder
2006 Bob and Becky Greiber
2005 Jerry and Judy Gryttenholm
2004 Orin and Dorothy Hermundstad
2003 Jon and Connie Blackman
2002 Olaf and Kathy Brekke
2001 Chet and Helen Johnson
2000 David and Carol Skavlen
1999 Vern and Bev Pieper
1998 Roger and Judie Nitzsche
1997 Rich and Susan Albright
1996 Doc and Dee Schammel
1995 Don and Carol Wahlin
1994 Norman and Helen Gerber
1993 George and Agnes Green
1992 Oscar and Pearl Elvekrog
1991 Eugene and Bea Kalland
1990 Tom and Philayne Chose
1989 Ralph and Wilma Baumbach
1988 Fred and Ruth Rushlow
1987 Al and Shirley Nygaard
1986 Myron and Dorothy Wilcox
1985 Art and Irene Sveum
1984 Don and Doris Helmke
1983 Palmer and Ellen Jacobsen
1982 David and Ann Nelson
1981 Doug and Ardys Pfundheller
1980 Oscar and Beverly Forton
1979 David and Janice Smedal
1978 Doug and Shirley Stokstad
1977 Dale and Yvonne Holzhuter
1976 Ron and Barbara Furseth
1975 Truman and Harmona Felland
1974 Bob and Marion Gilbert
1973 Jim and Kathy Anderson
1972 John and Sonia Holtan
1971 Norris and Carol Fosdal
1970 Warren and Ingrid Fessenden
1969 Odvar and Esther Haug
Nominations for the King and Queen
GUIDELINES & CRITERIA:
Must be residents within the Stoughton Area School District boundary for an accumulated minimum of 10 years.
Must have contributed significantly to the betterment of Stoughton, either through business, community service, etc.
Must have the skill set necessary to represent the Syttende Mai Festival and the Chamber of Commerce at speaking engagements, interviews, and other public events.
Must have willingness and physical ability to devote the time and energy needed to fulfill the duties required of the King and Queen.
It is not necessary for the King and Queen to be of Norwegian descent, however an understanding and appreciation of the city’s Norwegian heritage and Syttende Mai festival is beneficial.
It is not necessary for the King and Queen to be a married couple; individuals may be nominated.
Individuals/couples may not nominate themselves.