Norwegian-Americans can’t wait for Sunday’s parade!
Bay Ridge’s small, but proud Norwegian-American community is gearing up for its biggest even of the year, the 61st Annual 17th of May Parade to be held this Sunday. The parade, which celebrates the 1814 signing of the Constitution of Norway, traditionally takes place on the Sunday closest to May 17. This year, the parade date is May 19. The march will take place rain or shine, according to organizers.
The parade, sponsored by the Norwegian-American 17th of May Committee of Greater New York, will step off on Third Avenue and 80th Street at 1:30 p.m. The event is also known as the Norwegian Day Parade.
Hundreds of marchers, along with bands and floats shaped like Viking ships will make their way along the route in Third Avenue from 81st Street to 69th Street. The marchers will then proceed up 69th Street to Fifth Avenue and along the avenue to 67th Street and up 67th Street to Sixth Avenue and into Leif Ericson Park. A post-parade ceremony will be held at the grandstand in the park featuring guest speaker Rune Edvardsen, a Norwegian evangelist.