The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba has selected Kerrine Wilson as its 100th Fjallkona for the 2024-2025 season.
Kerrine Wilson, who was raised in Winnipeg, has a distinguished career as a musician and teacher. She earned a music degree in piano from the University of Manitoba, a degree from the former examining body Western Board of Music (now the Conservatory Canada), served on boards such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra board and as adjudicator at music festivals across Canada. She is the music director of the Solskrikjan Icelandic Choir.
“Kerrine Wilson has strong roots in the New Iceland community, and represents both our rural and urban Icelandic communities. Her Amma was a founding member of the IODE, of which both her mother and her are still active members. In fact, her nomination comes from two of our very own Fjallkonur and IODE members,” said the festival in a news release on its website. “She has been involved with the Icelandic Festival since she was ten years old, and continues to perform with the festival and many other events within the Icelandic community and beyond.”
The Express reached out to the festival for comment.
The tradition of selecting a woman to serve as Fjallkona began in 1924. The Fjallkona is called the maid of the mountain and is the personification of Iceland.
The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba draws thousands of visitors from far and wide to Gimli and features a parade, Viking battles, a Viking settlement with historical reenactments, music, food, a midway, an Icelandic fashion show, Icelandic-inspired crafts, games, friendly competitions and more for the whole family.
A traditional program on the last day of the festival is held in Gimli Park. It includes speeches from dignitaries and the presentation of the Fjallkona, who sits on a throne dressed in formal Icelandic costume consisting of a white gown, green robe, a headdress and a veil. She’ll be accompanied by two maids of honour, typically family members chosen by her.
The Icelandic Festival will be held Aug. 2-5. For more information about the festival and events, visit www.icelandicfestival.com
