Happy Anniversary Norstead – Eleven Years and more than Tens of Thousands of Visitors
Let’s rewind to July 28, 2000 – More than 17,000 people were on site during the unveiling of Norstead – A Viking Village & Port of Trade (www.norstead.com) as they celebrated 1,000 years since the Vikings were the first Europeans to re-discover North America. The Province did a tremendous job marketing this summer festival.
Can you imagine the excitement on site for this new addition – an open air museum; one which provides a unique approach to education and culture, where one can gain an enriched understanding of Norse life. More than 28,000 visitors trekked through this site during the first season alone.
I have to extend a big thank-you to the interpreters and all who work at Norstead – this non-profit just 2 KM from L’Anse Aux Meadows (UNESCO Site). Some have been on-site, showing tremendous dedication to the organization for the past 11 years.
It is a pleasure to walk through the gift shop, which has an array of local product – Dark Tickle’s Teas, Jams, Sauces and Syrups; Handmade Soap, Handmade Jewellery, Norse Swords, Norse Game – 9 Man Mills, Postcards, Local Art, Pottery, Knitted Items and more. The employees make products on-site and also during the off-season.
There is a wealth of knowledge from the employees and they are quite willing to share with you – creating a warm and inviting learning experience. You have the ability to try your hand at living like a Viking.
There is much opportunity to expand on this already wonderful gem on the Great Northern Peninsula. I see much potential to work with regional partners, develop further products, expand into Learning Vacations – live like a Viking (day, weekend or week-long stopovers), workshops and other activities. The future is bright for this not-for-profit entity.
It has added much value to our Rural Economy and also the travel experience of those who are fortunate enough to take the time to visit.
Norstead is a wonder we have, it is possible because f the wonderful people who show up and do their part every day. For that, I thank you.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Related articles
- Norstead – Viking Village & Port of Trade (liveruralnl.com)
- Babe, Orson, Wilbur, Porky? ….All Famous Pigs, but this fellow’s name is Willie 🙂 (liveruralnl.com)
- Deep Fried Ice-cream – A must have treat at the Daily Catch, St. Lunaire-Griquet, NL (liveruralnl.com)
- I AM A Viking at L’Anse Aux Meadows World UNESCO Heritage Site (liveruralnl.com)
- A day in the sun – L’Anse aux Meadows, Canada (travelpod.com)
- Viking settlement discovery celebrated (cbc.ca)
Posted on July 28, 2011, in Announcements, Business, Community Economic Development, History, Tourism and tagged Great Northern Peninsula, L'Anse aux Meadows, National League, Norstead, Soap, UNESCO, Viking, Vikings. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.
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