Annual event in Iola showcases traditional Norwegian pastries, artisan demonstrations, and more

The Iola Historical Society is set to host the much-anticipated Taste of Norway & Lost Arts Fair on Saturday, Oct. 4, welcoming visitors to 210 Depot Street, just west of downtown Iola. The event promises a day filled with Norwegian culinary delights, traditional artisan demonstrations, and a wide array of crafts and gifts — all with free admission.

A Celebration of Norwegian Culture and Lost Arts

The Taste of Norway portion kicks off at 11 a.m., offering attendees the chance to watch live demonstrations of Norwegian pastry and lefse making. Local experts and historical society members will showcase the art of preparing treats like krumkaka, sandbakkels, rosettes, and fattigman, while sharing stories and techniques behind these beloved recipes. Pastries and other homemade baked goods will be available for purchase at $8 per dozen, and lefse sold by the package at the same price, as long as supplies last. Coffee will also be on hand for those seeking a warm beverage to accompany their sweets.

This year’s event includes food vendors such as Iola’s well-known Crystal Café and Scandinavia’s Trout Bum Bakery, both offering a variety of baked goods, from scones and cookies to breads and pastries. The Iola Lions will serve up a brat fry, with hot dogs and brats available in a traditional bun or wrapped in lefse. Troop 631 of the Boy Scouts of America will provide soda and water, while Girl Scout Troop 6290 will help with food service and cleanup in the Machine Shed food court.

Artisans at the Lost Arts Fair will demonstrate time-honored skills, including knitting, basket weaving, rosemaling, rug weaving, woodcarving, and more. Some artisans will have their wares available for purchase, offering unique handmade gifts and crafts.

Fun for all ages and community support

Children can take part in the “One-Room Schoolhouse Kid’s Activities,” sponsored by the Sons of Norway’s Norskeland Lodge 5-580. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the activities feature craft projects, snacks, and the chance to try out a vintage corn sheller. Meanwhile, the Waupaca County Humane Society will also be present, offering more opportunities for community engagement.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Annual Fall Gift & Craft Show will feature local vendors selling everything from rug runners and handmade soaps to Norwegian-themed items, jewelry, quilts, caramels, doll clothes, jams, and jellies.

Attendees are invited to tour historic buildings on the society’s grounds, including the Helvetia Town Hall, a replica of Iola’s first fire station, a one-room schoolhouse, a 1920s log cabin, the original Iola & Northern Railway depot, and a vintage caboose. While the depot and caboose are under renovation, all other buildings will be open for tours. The Iola Historical Society museum will also be open, featuring exhibits such as the Wayne Towne Native American artifacts collection, vintage Norwegian immigrant items, the Stromberg violin collection, and memorabilia from local heroes like WWII bomber pilot Lee Nelson and publisher Chester L. Krause.

Automobile enthusiasts will enjoy the Machine Shed’s display of vintage farming equipment, machine tools from Iola’s R.I. Anderson Machine Shop, and a lineup of classic cars, including the custom-made Bestul Sports Car, a 1903 Ford Model A, a 1912 Sears car, and a 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

Service and safety offerings

The Iola & Rural Fire Department will hold its annual fire extinguisher check at the 1901 fire station replica, with licensed supplier Fire Pro providing inspections from 9 a.m. to noon for a nominal $5 fee per unit. The station houses Iola’s first mechanized firefighting vehicles, dating back to 1913, 1926, and 1942. Outside, members of the Central Wisconsin Tractor Club will showcase classic tractors and farm equipment.

Raffle tickets will be on sale for $3 each or two for $5, with prizes including $500 cash, a golf outing at Glacier Wood, and a $100 prize, among others, donated by local businesses. The drawing takes place at 1:45 p.m., and winners do not need to be present. Event proceeds support the restoration of the historic Iola & Northern Railroad depot, built in 1894, and other projects undertaken by the Iola Historical Society.

With a variety of food, crafts, historical demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, the Taste of Norway & Lost Arts Fair offers a unique opportunity to celebrate both Norwegian heritage and the rich history of Iola. The event welcomes all ages for a day of learning, tasting, and community spirit.