We lived in Ballard, Seattle, Wa for many years and it is still our home of record.  May 17th is a very special day there.  Children and adults are all in costume!  Syttende Mai Day is a huge festival with parades, food etc.  Want Norwegian food any time of year, Ballard is the place, especially pastries to die for.  Norwegians accomplished much. Amundsen is the man here.  Nansen is well respected but here it's Amundsen.  Yes, I'm a transplant of Portuguese/English heritage.  However, I have come to enbrace the Norwegian heritage living here.  It's why we love Ballard and will defend it against anybody (inside joke re: attacks from neighboring Fremont - isn;t living here fun!) Ellie Wheeler