Vintage Volvos participate in the “Syttende Mai” celebrations.
“Syttende Mai” means “Seventeens of May” and that is Norway’s National Day or Constitution Day. It is celebrated in Ballard located Washington state on that day.
Seeing as how our beloved Volvos originate from Sweden, our VSA chapter takes part in a few Nordic themed events throughout the year. The May 17th Parade in Ballard is one of the more memorable ones.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Ballard for the parade to see more than 100 groups including brass marching bands, Norwegian-American lodges, drill teams, classic cars and much more – all for Norway’s Constitution Day.
We had a good number of members participate this year, with several different Volvo models represented. I stood on the sidelines to take photos. A young couple with their three kids were along side of me. As our club members turned their cars on to the parade route, I could hear one parent exclaim “Look Katie …it’s the Volvos! I love these cars!”.
We are in complete agreement. Who doesn’t love a classic Volvo?
By Dale Riddings