Iola event features lefse, smultrenger, krumkaka
Watch Norwegian pastry making, lefse making and lost arts artisans ply their crafts during the 10th annual Taste of Norway and Lost Arts Fair.
It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Historic Iola Village complex.
The complex is located at 210 Depot St., west of downtown Iola.
This event is free and will also feature the Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce’s 20th annual Fall Craft and Gift Show.
Taste of Norway celebrates the Iola area’s Norwegian influence and provides visitors with tastes of Norwegian pastries.
Historical society members and local residents experienced in preparing Norwegian goodies – ranging from lefse, smultrenger (fry cakes) and krumkaka to sandbakkels, rosettes and fattigman – will explain and demonstrate how to make them.
Those pastries and other homemade baked goods will be available for purchase, while supplies last.
Proceeds from the event will be used to pay for the restoration of the historic Iola and Northern Railroad depot that was built in 1894, along with other Iola Historical Society needs.
More food
The Crystal Café will slices of pie, pulled pork sandwiches, homemade chips and dip and other items.
Trout Bum Bakery in Scandinavia will have freshly-baked Norwegian sweet bread, cardamom bread and assorted scones.
Iola’s The Lefse Shack will sell fresh lefse.
The Iola Lions will hold a brat fry, along with grilled hot dogs from Pine Grove Meats of Iola, with an option to have the hot dog placed in lefse rather than in a bun.
Boy Scout Troop 631 of Iola will sell soda and water.
The Taste of Norway food court will be inside the Machine Shed, 222 Depot St.
Raffle
Iola Historical Society members are selling raffle tickets. They will also be available on site that day.
The price is $3 for one ticket and $5 for two tickets.
First prize is a 100th anniversary Green Bay Packers football valued at $250.
Second prize is $100.
Area businesses and organizations donated more than 30 other prizes.
The drawing is at 1:45 p.m. Winners need not be present.
Lost arts, crafts
The Lost Arts Fair will bring artisans to the village.
Jewelry making, rosemaling, rugweaving, woodcarving and more will be demonstrated.
Some artisans will have items for sale.
The Fall Craft and Gift Show will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
It will include vendors selling wool mittens, scarves, runners, mats, handmade soap, Norwegian wear, jewelry, embroidery, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations, soy candles, quilted items, handmade caramels, doll cloths, metal garden art sculptures, framed pictures and prints from local photographers and more.
Vendors interested in exhibiting may pick up an application at the Iola Car Show office, 160 N. Chet Krause Drive.
The cost for a 10 foot by 10 foot space is $30.
They will be located under two large tents next to The Machine Shed.
History
Iola Historical Society docents will provide information about the historic buildings on the grounds.
This includes the Helvetia Town Hall, replica of Iola’s first fire station, replica of a one-room schoolhouse, circa-1920s log cabin originally used locally by hunters, original Iola and Northern Railway depot and a vintage caboose.
All buildings will be open for tours.
The society’s museum will also be open.
Its displays include the Wayne Towne Native American artifacts exhibit, vintage Norwegian immigrant items, Stromberg violin collection and more.
Also featured is a display dedicated to Lee Nelson.
He was a B-17 bomber pilot who flew several dozen missions over France and Germany in World War II.
His autobiography, published by the Iola Historical Society, will be for sale at the event, along with other local history books.
An exhibit is also developing about the late publisher and philanthropist Chester L. Krause.
Other activities
The Iola and Rural Fire Department will hold its annual fire extinguisher check at the vintage fire station, in Iola’s historic village.
The cost will be $5 per unit.
Department personnel will check and service personal handheld fire extinguishers to be sure they are current for use and insurance purposes.
The Humane Society of Waupaca County will have animals for children and adults to pet, and adopt.
Central Wisconsin Tractor Club members will have classic tractors on display.
Visitors may also check out the Iola Lions River Walk.
It follows the Little Wolf River from North Main Street to Townline Road.
The walk is accessible at its midpoint behind the Machine Shed.
The historic three-story Iola Mills, built in 1860, is located at the east end of the trail.
Visit www.iolahistoricalsociety, www.ischamber.com, or the chamber’s Facebook page for more information about the events.