Spearfish, SD – On Saturday, Dec. 5, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church will mark three decades of its beloved Julefest, a community celebration rooted in Norwegian heritage. The festivities run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church’s 1020 State St. location, and all are invited to join in food, crafts, music, and charitable giving.
Family Traditions and Community Service
Organizers highlighted the deep family ties that have sustained the event. “Mother was very instrumental in doing it. She started in her shop, Spearfish Pottery and Mercantile, for a few years,” said longtime volunteer Vanhousten, whose family continues to lead the celebration. Vanhousten herself performed the role of Saint Lucia in 1992 and recalls being the last to wear actual candles on her head. This year, Saint Lucia will be represented with a wreath of electric candles, honoring tradition while ensuring safety.
Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods for the Spearfish Food Pantry, a key partner of the Julefest. Over the past 20 years, the event has donated close to $200,000 to community organizations, including Meals on Wheels and various campus ministries throughout the region.
Norwegian Culture on Display
The celebration showcases authentic Norwegian customs. Visitors will see bunads—hand‑crafted regional outfits passed down through generations. “[My mother] made her own bunad completely. And her granddaughter now has it,” Vanhousten explained, emphasizing the intergenerational pride in preserving cultural heritage.
Church members are preparing traditional foods such as meatballs, pastries, and lefse, a soft Norwegian flatbread. “You don’t walk away hungry because there’s a lot to choose from,” said Lori Laughlin, a longtime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Handmade Crafts and Fundraising
Local quilters will display and sell handmade quilts in the sanctuary, providing another avenue for fundraising. All proceeds support the same charitable partners that have benefited from Julefest’s generosity over the years.
Vanhousten expressed personal gratitude for the event’s role in honoring her mother’s legacy. “It’s so special for me to be here to honor my mother and what she did, what she got started,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As the church looks forward to future Julefests, organizers remain committed to blending cultural celebration with service to the community. The event not only preserves Norwegian traditions but also reinforces the Christian principle of caring for neighbors, embodying the church’s mission to serve Spearfish families in tangible ways.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 307‑555‑0123.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
