Summertime festivals need your funding

Where in the world is NurVal?

NurVal, the Valley Nursery Troll, will be traveling around Poulsbo to help kick off the Viking Fest Parade. Stop by these businesses to visit him, fill out a form, and get entered into that week’s drawing for a special prize from NurVal’s hosts. Don’t forget to look for Nurval in the Parade on May 17!

t Viking Fest, Third of July

hoping donations pick up speed.

POULSBO — Nothing signifies summertime in Little Norway like its beloved array of festivities.

But for those annual events to occur, a little community support is necessary, organizers are saying.

Both Viking Fest and Third of July coordinators report their popular festivals are suffering from a downtrodden economy as much as the rest. Donations and sponsorships have been hard to come by, and those offered are lower than usual.

“It’s not that we’re not getting sponsors,” said Viking Fest Executive Vice President Kathi Foresee. “It’s that everyone, because of the economy, is cutting their donation.”

The event, which will celebrate its 40th year this May, is also undergoing a few changes. Foresee said costs will be up with the move of the carnival from Anderson Parkway to the King Olaf lot. Fencing, portable bathroom stalls, garbage cans and security officers will all be doubled in amount and cost.

Even the small donations will go a long way, she said.

“It all adds up and it helps us.”

Third of July organizer Sandi Peterson said her event is suffering a similar fate. In fact, just $250 in donations have come in.

“Our donations are really low and our sponsorships are really low,” she said. In addition, the Bremerton Symphony will be making a special appearance, albeit an added expenditure.

Peterson said the 60-piece symphony will be a thrilling supplement to the line up, and one well worth the added cost.

Even though community members are “a little more strapped this year,” she’s optimistic they’ll pull through.

“The community came through so well last year,” she said. “It’s a fabulous family event, and with the symphony there I think it’s going to be just an extra reason for them to come.”

She said roughly $12,000 is still needed.

Clearwater Casino, North Kitsap Auto Rebuild, Fred Hill Materials and the Stone Chapel now make up the list of sponsors.

Sponsorships are still available for both events.

For Third of July, a $5,000 sponsorship of the Bremerton Symphony is up for grabs, as are other event sponsorships. To find out more or donate to Poulsbo’s unique Independence Day celebration, visit fireworksonthefjord.com or call (360) 779-2121.

To join in Viking Fest fun, contact Foresee at (360) 697-7450. Sponsorship opportunities are available, including for the Iron Chef Competition and Karaoke Competition.

Contact North Kitsap Herald Reporter Jennifer Morris at jmorris@northkitsapherald.com or 360-779-4464.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.