Living My Dream As Miss Norsk Høstfest 2025
By Erika Littlefield
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of being Miss Norsk Høstfest. I can still remember walking through the festival grounds and seeing that year’s titleholder moving through the crowds, talking with kids, greeting families and representing her heritage with such pride. Something about her presence stuck with me. I thought to myself, maybe someday that could be me.
Fast forward to this year, my mom mentioned that applications were open for Miss Norsk Høstfest 2025. Without hesitation, I jumped at the opportunity. After submitting my application, I was invited to an interview in early September. The luncheon and crowing ceremony were held at the Beowulf Golf Course in Minot, and six of us were competing for the title.
The process began with individual interviews in front of a panel of judges. While one person was being interviewed, the rest of us sat together, talking about our lives, our goals, and how nervous we all were. What could have been in intimidating experience ended up feeling more like a group of new friends sharing in something special together.
When it came time for the announcement, I honestly didn’t think I would win. We all lined up, hearts racing, waiting for the judges’ decision. When I heard my name called, it took a moment to sink in, my little-kid dream had come true. I was Miss Norsk Høstfest 2025.
My duties began bright and early on Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. I met at the Scandinavian Park to board a bus heading to the Sondre Norheim gravesite at Norway Lutheran Church in Denbigh, North Dakota. There, we took part in a wreath-laying ceremony led by Sondre Norheim’s great-great-grandchildren, honoring him and the 53 Norwegian immigrants who made the first voyage to America 200 years ago. It was a beautiful and emotional way to begin the festival week, a reminder of the deep history and courage that connects us to our heritage.
That evening, I attended the Governor’s Reception. I had the chance to listen to incredible speakers, including the Ambassador from Norway and North Dakota’s First Lady, Kjersti Armstrong, who shared her personal story of moving from Norway to the United States. I was also able to meet Governor Kelly Armstrong and his wife afterward, along with many community leaders from the Minot area. It was surreal being surrounded by people who care so deeply about celebrating and preserving Norwegian culture.
Wednesday was the official start of Høstfest. I began my morning walking through the festival grounds, greeting guests, and taking photos with visitors. During the Opening Ceremonies, I was introduced on stage alongside the Norwegian delegation that travels to Minot every year for the festival. That same evening, I was interviewed by KMOT, and later that night, I watched my story air on the local news, it was such a proud and humbling moment.
Throughout the week, I spent most of my time interacting with guests, vendors, and performers. Every person I met had their own story about what brought them to Høstfest, and it was heartwarming to see how one festival could connect so many people across generations and backgrounds.
One of my favorite parts of each day was watching the Viking reenactments. I’ve been watching them for years as an attendee, but seeing them now as Miss Norsk Høstfest felt different, it reminded me of how traditions evolve but never lose their meaning.
Every afternoon and evening, I also had the honor of standing on the main stage in the Great Hall of the Vikings to thank our sponsors and introduce the concert acts. Being able to represent Høstfest in front of thousands of guests was an incredible honor and something I’ll never forget.
Looking back on the experience, I feel so grateful, not just for the title, but for everything it represents. Norsk Høstfest is more than an event; it’s a celebration of family, heritage, and community. It’s about remembering where we come from and sharing that pride with others.
Throughout the week, I met so many amazing people, from lifelong Høstfest volunteers to first-time visitors discovering Scandinavian culture for the first time. Each conversation reminded me how strong and special our community is.
Becoming Miss Norsk Høstfest 2025 has been a dream come true, but more than that, it’s been an opportunity to represent something bigger than myself. If even one little girl saw me walking through the festival and thought, I want to do that someday, then I know I’ve done my job. Because that’s exactly how my dream started, too.