Leif Erikson Day Celebration Shooters - Cleveland October 9, 2018
The Scandinavian community of Cleveland, including those from Norway, Sweden and Denmark gathered at the bust of Leif Erikson in front of Shooters in Cleveland's Flats. Leif Ericson was a Norse explorer regarded as the first European to land in North America (excluding Greenland), nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus.
Bust of Nordic Viking explorer Leif Ericson in Cleveland Ohio
According to the Sagas of Icelanders, he established a Norse settlement at Vinland, tentatively identified with the Norse L'Anse aux Meadows on the northern tip of Newfoundland in modern-day Canada.
In 1964 the United States Congress authorized and requested the president to proclaim October 9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day". Each year local Scandinavians meet at the bust of the explorer which is in front of Shooter's restaurant in the Flats.
Plaque on the Leif Erikson bust
Here they toast Erikson and his maritime accomplishments with a drink of Linje Akvavit, a 40 proof Scandinavian liqueur.
Getting ready for the Linje Akvavit toast
Linje Aquavit is said to get its special flavor from its trip to the Equator. That's right; Aquavit is placed in barrels and put on a ship bound for Australia. It must pass the Equator and return to get the right flavor. All of the sloshing in the barrels on the long ocean trip makes the drink unique. It also has a distinctive flavor, partially because of spices such as caraway. Skol!
Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon welcomed the crowd and led the toast. NOTE: The image below with a white arrow in the middle is a video. (The other images are just photos) You can click on the white arrow to watch the short video. Make sure your speakers are on and you can make the video full screen once it begins by clicking the icon in the lower right corner.
Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon modeled a traditional Norwegian costume or bunad as she led the toast.
Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon
Leif Erikson Day toast
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Many in the group wore Scandinavian outfits or other apparel showing their cultural pride.
Birgit Ihms says 'Leif Landed First!'
Sweden Shirts? You Betcha
Before enjoying lunch many posed for photos with the Leif Erikson bust.
Former Honorary Swedish Consul Mike Miller and Honorary Danish Consul Carl Langmack
Group photo with the Leif Erikson bust
Happy Leif Erikson Day!
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