Horten’s traditional May 17 children’s games at risk due to lack of volunteers

The long-standing children’s games in Horten may be cancelled this year after only eight parents out of 800 volunteered to help, Dagbladet reports.

Wilfred Solberg, who has served as the town’s May 17 general for 40 years, told the newspaper that at least 16–17 volunteers are needed to run the event, which includes classic games like sack races and tug-of-war. So far, only eight have stepped forward—six initially, with two more responding after local media coverage.

“This is something we really don’t want,” Solberg said, warning that losing one tradition could weaken others. “If one falls away, others may follow.”

While he understands that Norway’s Constitution Day can be a busy time for families—especially with this year’s midweek holiday and civic processions—he stressed that volunteering requires minimal effort. “It’s just about setting up the games and keeping things orderly. Many of the children are small and need a little help,” he said, estimating that an hour of work would make a significant difference.

Solberg, who received Horten’s Cultural Prize in 2017 for his decades of service, remains determined. “I’m not giving up just yet. If it doesn’t work this year, we’ll try again next year.”

He urged parents and older siblings across Norway to reconsider their role in preserving local traditions. “This is about community. If we lose these activities, something vital disappears.”