Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo provided: There is a reason it is called the Michigan Nordic FIRE Festival. The fires help entertain as well as ward off some of the chill.)

There are about a dozen recognized Nordic and Viking festivals in the country, and among the top three, rated online by Google AI are the Norsk Hosfest in North Dakota, the Decorah Nordic Festival in Iowa, and the Michigan Nordic Fire Festival in Charlotte.

Eleven years ago, did festival planners see this coming?

“I am over my shock and awe,” said festival Executive Director Bryan Myrkle.“We had no reason to think this thing was going to work out.”

But, by year three, and a move to a bigger venue, he and original organizers William SaintAmour and Tim “Thor” McCumber had no worries.

“I am happy for the community,” said Myrkle, who worked for about 25 years for the City of Charlotte before moving on to become village manager of Paw Paw in 2024.

The event, now held at the Eaton County Fairgrounds, brings in thousands of visitors in what would normally be a winter devoid of big community festivities.

Charlotte residents only have themselves to blame, and congratulate, for the popularity of this weekend. Fifteen years ago, a community survey (coordinated by SaintAmour) asked what kind of winter festival folks wanted to see. Myrkle said it could have been ice skating, but, thanks to the entertainment and media popularity of all things Viking, this theme was recommended and embraced.

“It’s a lot of fun to put on, and a lot of work,” said Myrkle, which is why true Viking enthusiasts such as McCumber are vital to the event’s planning and growth.

This year, February 27, 28, and March 1, will see the most Viking reenactors ever, said Myrkle. New and returning favorite bands and games, as well as merchandise, food and drink (think mead), and a costume contest are some of the other offerings.

More than 80 vendors, food and beverages spots and a packed activity schedule make this festival popular, even in the mud and snow. Patrons are warned about the weather. It sort of sets the Norse scene. This is a ticketed event.

A popular activity is the ship burning, set for Friday, February 27 at 7 p.m. to open the weekend festival. Fairgrounds open at 5 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

This year’s symbol is Jormungander, the Midgard Serpent or Great Monster. It is quite the impressive foe. To “bookend” the festival on Sunday, Myrkle said there will be a Yule Bock (Goat) burning (a wooden structure). The complete schedule is on an extensive website – michigannordicfirefestival.com.

There is no parking on the Eaton County Fairgrounds. Shuttles will run from The Beach Market downtown as well as Parkview Elementary School off Cochran and Kalamo. There is also a call for volunteers. For information, email mnffvolunteers@gmail.com.