An Evening of Hygge in Watford City, Feb. 23

The Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County will hold this season's second Hygge event on Friday, February 23rd.

Hygge is a Scandinavian term, pronounced "HOO-gah", which celebrates coziness, shared meals, and companionable interactions with friends and loved ones. Hygge is Danish perspective on life that emphasizes warmth, kinship and an appreciation for the little things, and is said to contribute to Denmark's consistently high rate of happiness.

The event features a candle-lit environment where adults can visit, enjoy a warm meal, and partake in relaxing activities. The Pioneer Museum's Director of Outreach, Sandy Rieker, began hosting the event last year, and chose to continue the event based on feedback from participants. "We had one last month and it's turned out to be something that the people of the community look very forward to. People just generally like to visit, and then go shopping a little bit in the store. Everybody was so happy last time. Just very Scandinavian," she said. "It's turned out to be a nice date night for parents, providing another fun thing to do in Watford City on a Friday night," Reiker explained.

This month's event will feature local artist Arden Omlid, teaching pencil art lessons, as well as music and board games and door prizes. The Prairie Rose Quilt Guild has quilts on display at the museum to go with the warm and cozy theme. On the dinner menu will be Swedish meatball soups, Danish cheese and crackers, and hot cider and coffee.

The hygge begins at 6:30PM CST and runs until 8:30, though Reiker explains that lingering past 8:30 is common. Entrance to the event is free. The Pioneer Museum of McKenzie County is located at 100 2nd Ave SW, in Watford City. Parking is available on the east side of the street, and across the street. For more information about the hygge, contact the Museum at 701-444-2990.