The Stoughton Chamber of Commerce Syttende Mai Festival has named Gary and Ellen Smithback as the 2026 King and Queen, bestowing upon them the celebration’s highest honor. As proud representatives of Stoughton’s rich Norwegian heritage, they will play a central role in this year’s festivities, embodying the spirit and tradition of the Festival.
According to a chamber news release, Gary and Ellen were both born and raised in Stoughton and are proud graduates of Stoughton High School. Growing up in a community deeply rooted in Norwegian heritage shaped their lives and instilled in them a lasting love for Stoughton’s traditions—especially Syttende Mai.
They will celebrate 43 years of marriage in August and are the proud parents of three children: Solveig (Jonathan) Schroerlucke, Karl (Stacy) Smithback, and Siri (Gordon) Smithback-Freeman. They are also grandparents to Eowyn, Anders, Audny, and Haakon…