MINOT, ND (KXNET) —The 45th annual Norsk Høstfest starts Wednesday, but before the festivities, the traditional wreath-laying ceremony took place. During this annual event, visitors gather to lay wreaths on the graves of Sondre Norheim and his wife. "The Norsk Høstfest feels very strongly about how we remember the memory of all those who have gone before," said the ceremony's emcee, Marv Semrau. One-Day ND Destinations: Minot’s Scandinavian Heritage Park Norheim came over to the US from Norway in 1884 with his wife and children to have a better life. Those who knew him say Norheim was a humble man, and that even his neighbors in the states didn't know how important he was in Norway — where he was famously known as the father of modern skiing. "He was a skier," explains Norway resident Rolf Haugen, " and invented the modern skiing binding. The bindings, the skills, and the telemark were very important in Norway." One of the many in attendance was Verna Schock, who says she came to the ceremony because she has many friends here — and that she was invited to lend her voice to the event. "It is so nice to have the Minot Change of Pace Singers come every year," she states. "To have them sing a song in Norwegian for everybody is wonderful." Norheim died in 1897. His grave was left unmarked for many years but at a ceremony in 1966 a boulder and plaque were dedicated and placed on his grave. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW