Syttende Mai here is biggest in U.S.

Ballard's biggest cultural celebration is this Saturday as the May 17 Syttende Mai parade brings in Scandinavians from all over the Northwest.

This parade is the largest May 17 parade in the United States, and is third only parades in Oslo and Bergen, Norway.

With all the people visiting Ballard for the parade it becomes one large reunion of friends and family.

"We see people we don't see throughout the year. They spend the entire day in Ballard," said parade chair Jim Vatn.

Hanne Krogh, a well-known Norwegian pop singer, is this year's Grand Marshall.

"She's pretty famous in Norway and Europe. She should be a good draw for the younger people," said Vatn.

Krogh will join honorary marshall's Elie Glaamen and Ted Fosberg in the parade.

Over 100 units, which include Scandinavian organizations, community groups and schools, march in the parade each year.

Ballard High School will be represented by its cheerleaders, marching band, Maritime Academy and Scandinavian Club.

The parade begins at Northwest 62nd Street and 24th Avenue Northwest and heads south to Market Street where it turns east.

A stage, setup on the back of an antique fire truck from the Last Resort Fire Department is the review stand for parade dignitaries who judge each parade unit.

The parade is not the only event going on. Over at Bergen Place, Nordic entertainers perform from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The list of entertainers includes: Leikarringen of Leif Erikson Lodge, 10:30 a.m.; Nordic Reflections, accordionists 11 a.m.; Salem String Band, noon; Anna and Ingrid, violinists, 12:30 p.m.; Ferkingstad Skole of Karmay, 1 p.m.; Leikarringen of Portland, 1:30 p.m.; and the Seattle Civic Band, 2 p.m.

Children's games (Barneleker) are scheduled at the Ballard Community Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

New this year is a display by the Ballard Fjord Horse Committee who will bring Norwegian Fjord Horses to the Nordic Heritage Museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. at Leif Erikson Hall will feature a performance by Krogh and is $25 per person. Tickets may be purchased at Viking Bank.

Miles from Chicago, a rock, blues, rhythm and blues, funk band appears at Leif Erikson Hall from 8 to midnight and the cost is $20.

Every parade needs financial support and a new 2008 commemorative pin designed by Ruth Durham is heart shaped with the Norwegian flag, Space Needle and Mt. Rainier on it.

With a new design each year, the pin has become a collector's item.

"It has been a real money maker for us," said Vatn.

As the parade chair, Vatn takes pride in seeing the Norwegian flags in front of homes and businesses all over Ballard.

During the parade adults and children wave the flag enthusiastically.

"It has gotten to be something people look forward to in this area," said Vatn, a 19-year veteran of the 17th of May Festival Committee.

Visit http://www/syttendemaiseattle.com for more information.