Alberta crowned 
The Fjallkona of the Rocky Mountain

Gloria Krenbrenk, Edmonton, AB

Alberta Icelanders and friends gathered at Markerville on June 21, 2025, for the annual Icelandic National Day celebration. With rain threatening, activities by Ulfraendi, the Viking Age Reenactment Society, took place in historic Fensala Hall, with a few brave souls demonstrating Viking weapons outdoors.  

The afternoon program featured the crowning of our Alberta Fjallkona, Bev Arason-Gaudet of Edmonton. Bev was escorted by her son, Matt Gaudet, former Snorri participant and webmaster of the Icelandic National League of North America (INLNA) website. Her lovely young attendant was Bridget Radstaak of Edmonton. 

Bev grew up in the Icelandic Society of Edmonton, as it was then known. Her parents, Walter and Beulah Arason, held various gatherings such as board meetings and choir practices in their home. With the Icelandic Canadian Club of Edmonton, Bev served as treasurer, president, and convention organizer. As well, she served 12 years on the board of the Icelandic National League of North America (INLNA) in various capacities, including president. She presently serves as vice president on the board of Lögberg-Heimskringla. Her service was recognized by the government of Iceland in 2019 with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Falcon.  

MC Allison Boychuk of Edmonton brought greetings from Gordon Reykdal, Honorary Consul for Iceland in Northern Alberta. We heard from John McKechnie, president of the Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society of Markerville, and Mark Petursson from the Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club of Calgary. Mark also spoke on behalf on INLNA. Gloria Krenbrenk introduced Bev with a review of her many accomplishments. Kathleen Raines, 2024 Fjallkona, spoke of her year and placed the crown upon the head of our new Fjallkona.

Following the Fjallkona’s address, we enjoyed a presentation, “Water!” by Bridget Radstaak, a 2024 Snorri participant. Karen Gummo with her last-minute conscript, Mark Petursson, presented an Icelandic folk dance to the tune of Á Sprengisandi, sung by Karen. A delicious potluck supper concluded the day. Thanks to the many volunteers who make the event possible.