The Bothell Sons of Norway Parade Troll
Every year before the pandemic, the Bothell Sons of Norway lodge members marched in Seattle’s 17th of May Parade, as well as Bothell’s Fourth of July Parade. In addition to a Viking ship float and a convertible sports car with the princess waving from the back, is a 7 foot tall, imposing, ugly, but goofy troll. This elaborate costume was created by Mike Nelson and has delighted parade-goers, especially children, for years. Then Carl Stavney was invited to inhabit the troll costume and discovered the magic that the costume imparts.
Join us for the story of how the troll was first envisioned, how it was built, what it’s like to skitter back and forth along the parade route to shake hands and give high-fives, and how the Parade Troll has become a beloved part of the Seattle and Bothell parades for over 20 years. Now in 2022, the troll returns.
We finish with a rousing rendition of the Norwegian national anthem, “Ja, Vi Elsker Dette Landet” in honor of Syttende Mai, or Norwegian Constitution Day, on May 17th.
Links
Carl as the Norwegian Parade Troll: a short video of parade footage, showing Carl and his antics in the Syttende Mai and Fourth of July parades.
Photos
11 Replies to “The Bothell Sons of Norway Parade Troll”
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LS Stavney Hey Eric!
This was absolutely delightful and interesting …we both enjoyed it very much. Almost didn’t recognize your handsome son….it’s Ben awhile ! Thank you for sharing the link…we look forward to more. We are in awe of what you do so well.
Dad and Kathy-
nordicontap Thank you! Carl so much enjoys this role as the troll and I’m honored to also know who created the costume.
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Heather Goude As a a member of Bothell Lodge and Mike’s daughter, thank you so much for creating this episode. I love that something my dad created now has such lore and kind of a life of its own. Long live the Viking Troll!
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nordicontap Thank you, Heather. I really admire Mike and have long wanted to somehow honor his ingenuity, his service, and his compassion. We don’t say “thank you” enough to each other, and the troll is but one of many things I love about Mike. 🙂
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Janet Hickok Thanks for doing this podcast Eric! It was fun to hear how the Troll was created and how long he has been around. Mike did a great job on him. Hopefully the Troll will continue to scare and delight spectators for many more parades. 🙂
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nordicontap Thanks, Janet! I had no idea what went into the troll costume for years. Thanks for listening and commenting, too.
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Mike Nelson Thank you, Eric for publishing this Podcast. I found out that Carl really does like being the Troll. I wasn’t sure how he felt about doing it or just did it because he was asked. It sounds like we have a Troll for life at the Bothell Sons of Norway. I will try to keep the outfit in good working order for as many parades as he is able to attend. To carl the Troll.
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nordicontap Thanks, Mike. 🙂
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C.stavney [parade troll guy -- (added by moderator)] I will always be honored to wear the mantle, and will for as long as I may.
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Mattias Thank you Eric. The podcast is the best way to go to bed on the 17 of May. 🍾🍾🍾🍾😎😊👍😹🐻
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nordicontap Right back at you! I enjoyed seeing you at 17 May in your Viking outfit. I appreciate your feedback, always. Carl definitely has fun being the troll and the public enjoys seeing Bothell represented by the Viking Ship, Princess, but also people like you walking and saying hello. Here’s to several more 17 May’s together!
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